BS1 Alive - Cradle to Career Hub
Every child deserves the chance to thrive
Our Story
BS1 ALIVE began in 2024 with a simple recognition: Bristol’s children deserve better. Too many families face barriers to health, education, and opportunity.
At SMRT, one of the city’s largest and most diverse schools, we saw the chance to act. With strong roots in the community, decades of relationships with families, and links across 76 feeder primaries and 40 secondary schools, we are uniquely placed to lead this work.
By opening our buildings, mobilising our networks, and uniting the city’s resources, we are creating a hub where:
- Collaboration replaces isolation
- Hope replaces apathy
- Opportunity replaces inequality
In Bristol, too many young people grow up facing challenges of poverty, health inequality, or limited opportunities. BS1 ALIVE exists to change that.
Led by St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School (SMRT) in partnership with The Reach Foundation, BS1 ALIVE is a Cradle to Career initiative supporting children and families from the earliest years right through to adulthood.
Rooted in our Christian foundation (“life in all its fullness” – John 10:10) but open to everyone, we bring schools, services, businesses, churches, charities, and communities together to give every child the relationships, opportunities, and support they need to fulfil their potential.
Our Four Pillars
Health – Active Bodies, Thriving Communities
- Every child builds lifelong healthy habits through sport, nutrition, and active living.
- No child goes hungry. Families have access to good food and the knowledge to eat well.
Academic and Pastoral Achievement
- Every child will benefit from excellent teaching and a strong curriculum.
- Learning develops not only knowledge but also character, resilience, and life skills.
Hope, Purpose and Pathways
- Every young person is free from harm and supported to dream big and make their unique contribution to the world.
- Mentors, networks, and real opportunities help children and young people discover their unique purpose.
Community – Cohesive, Connected, Caring
- Children and young people grow up in safe, well-maintained environments.
- Families and neighbours build strong relationships and pride in where they live.
How We Work
Convening Partners
We bring the right people around the table – schools, health services, charities, businesses, and faith groups.
Listening and Responding
We hold events and consultations to understand real community needs.
Building Seamless Support
From prenatal care to employment, we connect the dots, so no child falls through the cracks.
Using Proven Models:
Inspired by The Reach Foundation's’ national Cradle to Career work, we adapt what works to Bristol’s unique context.
Why It Matters
- Bristol is a city full of youth with immense talent and promise, and it is our duty to nurture this.
- 1 in 5 children in Bristol live in poverty.
- Physical, emotional and social challenges affect the life chances of thousands of young people each year.
- Great schools alone cannot solve this, but strong communities can.
BS1 ALIVE bridges the gap by providing wraparound support that is co-created by educational institutions, young people, community members, civic services, charities and businesses.
Together, we can ensure every child in Bristol enjoys a life of choice and opportunity.
- Families: Access support and opportunities.
- Partners: Work with us to create change.
- Businesses and Donors: Invest in Bristol’s future.
Contact Us
You can contact the BS1 Alive team via the button below.
Our Partners