Cultural Connectors
A newly formed network of local people who are trusted and active within their communities.
The following Cultural Connectors are helping to shape and expand access to opportunities in arts, culture, and heritage to support the delivery of the Cultural Strategy and how we work with our Compact Partners in co-developing new, community-focussed cultural programmes.
Greg Deacon
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) Writtle
ARU Writtle Community Health is a university department based on the 200+ acre Writtle College estate in the village of Writtle some 2 miles west of Chelmsford. Its mission is to work with community partners to create curriculum opportunities for students and wellbeing support for the local community. Working closely with the health and social care sector, charities, community groups, private business and community interest companies, the focus is on utilising the blue and green estate as an asset for lifelong human health and wellbeing.
Community Health complements the premise of ‘One Health’ which is the future vision of ARU Writtle – the interaction between human, animal and environmental health. Healthier communities lead to a healthier planet and that is what drives our interest, intervention, research and activities.
Ayesha Raman
Bubu’s Community Hub is a vibrant community centre dedicated to nurturing the diverse fabric of Chelmsford. We provide a variety of engaging and educational activities to inspire curiosity, creativity, and personal growth. From arts and crafts workshops to technology and science programmes, our offerings are tailored to suit all ages and interests.
Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We collaborate with local organisations, including religious groups, disability support networks, and Chelmsford Police, to ensure that our hub is a safe and welcoming space for everyone. By working together with these partners, we aim to reflect the rich diversity of our community and make sure that everyone feels valued and included.
We aspire to create a space where people can form meaningful connections, support one another, and build a stronger, more unified community. Together, we’re building a brighter future for Chelmsford—one where diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect are celebrated every day.
Bucky Ringsell (They/Them)
New LGBTQA+ project coming soon!
Bucky is a non-binary creative; an artist, writer, public speaker, community builder and LGBTQA+ advocate. They also ran and owned Dark Side Comics for six incredible years, building a thriving, diverse and welcoming community.
They are passionate about creating and developing safe spaces for the under represented and overlooked. They believe Chelmsford lacks spaces and support for it’s queer, young and neurodivergent people, and intend to make positive change through boldly disrupting the status quo.
Sally Medd
Chelmsford CVS is an independent charity set up to champion, support and strengthen local charities, voluntary and community groups.
We offer expert information and personalised support to enable local people to develop the skills needed to run successful voluntary groups.
We spread good practice, encourage joint working, and promote equality and diversity by fostering a wider understanding of the needs of disadvantaged and under-represented groups. We help public bodies to engage effectively with communities, and ensure policy makers understand and consider the needs of the Third Sector.
We work locally and in collaboration with other partners across Essex, Southend and Thurrock to maximize voluntary and community action, develop strong communities and enhance local wellbeing.
We host numerous different projects across Chelmsford City, its villages, South Woodham Ferrers and beyond. These include Social Prescribing; the Chelmsford Volunteer Centre, and Chelmsford Connects.
Sangita Mittra (TBC)
New Generation Development Agency
We are Community Development Specialists, who set up bespoke projects and activities that provide resolutions for Ethnically Diverse Communities & young people, affected by Racial/economic/Identity profiling.
As team of highly motivated professionals we offer a range of support services to those who have experienced or at risk of experiencing: Racism, Social Isolation, Self-injury or harm/ radicalisation, Identity crisis, Unemployment or under achievement, Honor abuse, Criminal Justice system, Grooming for county lines activity, Domestic abuse or violence, Barriers in accessing public services.
Peter Blackman
South Woodham Ferrers Health & Social Care Group
Based in the Town of South Woodham Ferrers (SWF) in the Chelmsford City Council district, our community group is the patient and public engagement group representing the patients and people of the Town and surroundings as critical friends with the NHS, health and social care integrated system in Mid & South Essex, East of England and nationally.
We collaborate with a wide range of organisations including: the Dengie & SWF Primary Care Network; Maldon Central, Dengie and SWF Integrated Neighbourhood Team area; Mid Essex Alliance; Mid & South Essex Integrated Care System; East of England NHS; NHSE; DHSC; Essex County Council Social Services; other providers of health and welfare services.
We are Community Connectors and partners with the Chelmsford Cultural Strategy’s second strategi theme “Improve Health & Wellbeing”. We advocate for the rural areas of the district. An example of an activity is our film “The Impact of Covid on Dying, Death & Bereavement”.
