
Refugees and other marginalised groups in Bristol face acute social isolation, trauma-related mental health challenges (PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-harm, substance use), and unstable housing. Reports from Bristol City Council (2024) and the city's Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) highlight high levels of loneliness in deprived communities, amplified mental distress among those in temporary hotel accommodation, and complex trauma in the refugee and asylum-seeker population. Substance misuse rates in Bristol remain among England’s highest. Local evidence and academic research (University of Bristol, Bristol Refugee Rights) show intersecting challenges of poverty, isolation, discrimination, hostile immigration systems, disrupted continuity of care, and lack of communal spaces. Participants and partners echo these findings, frequently reporting needs for community, well-being support, skills development, and culturally-responsive spaces. Small voluntary sector providers struggle to meet these needs, underscoring the importance of innovative, accessible projects like Hip Hop Garden. Hip Hop Garden Bristol is a culturally responsive, creative, and therapeutic wellbeing programme rooted in permaculture, hip hop, and community care. The core aim is to build healthier, more connected communities among refugees, people facing social isolation, and those struggling with substance use. In Autumn 2026 (with repeat cohorts in following years, funding permitting), the project will deliver one cohort, meeting weekly for 2-hour sessions over 7–10 weeks, with activities run at venues such as Bristol Wellspring Settlement, Pickle Factory (Easton), Bristol Drugs Project (St. Paul’s), Trinity Arts Centre, Pirate Studios, and additional local recording studios. Each session includes check-ins, grounding with movement/nature, gardening and food-growing, lyric writing, spoken word and creative writing, collaborative music, rhythm and beat-making, reflective discussions, mindful nature connections, games and quizzes (all translated as needed), and concluding communal meals. Games and tasks are tailored for accessibility in participants’ languages.