ROC WSM

Building Hope Together: ROC Transforms Weston Communities

In the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare, ROC (Redeeming Our Communities) is making a tangible difference by bringing people of goodwill together to strengthen the fabric of local community life. ROC exists to empower local people, groups and churches to collaborate for safer, stronger, kinder neighbourhoods — and the Weston group is a living example of that vision in action.

Launched in February 2020, just before the pandemic, ROC’s action group in Weston rapidly took root and now counts over 40 active members.  Amid lockdowns and social restrictions, the group kept moving forwards. One of the core recent events was the “ROC Conversation” held at the Winter Gardens in October 2024, facilitated by Debra Green OBE – Director of ROC, where civic leaders, churches and community agencies gathered to shape collective action.  Watch the summary Video

One of the standout initiatives in Weston is ROC’s work alongside Haywood Village Academy. ROC have recruited and trained volunteer mentors who come alongside children in the school – a “friend with purpose” approach – supporting them in building resilience, self-esteem and making positive life choices.  The programme involves online training for volunteers, and just a couple of hours a month can make a real difference in a child’s life.

ROC’s broader mission – to raise awareness of existing community strengths, resources and then equip volunteers as change-agents – comes alive in projects like these.  The work at Haywood Village is an illustration of how ROC enables local people to become part of the solution, in partnership with schools, churches and community stakeholders.

For the Christian community in Weston-super-Mare, ROC offers a compelling platform for prayerful engagement, practical action and Gospel-shaped service. By mobilising volunteer mentors, encouraging inter-church collaboration and inviting local leadership into dialogue, the project reflects the biblical call to “seek the welfare of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7) and to fulfil the Great Commission in everyday neighbourhoods.

As ROC in Weston continues to grow, the invitation is open to stepping into that “good neighbour” role — investing in a child’s future, supporting families, building hope.

Together, the town can become safer, kinder and more resilient.

For more info visit: www.roc.uk.com   |  www.facebook.com/roc.weston.75

Photos © Visit Weston-super-Mare | Cabot Learning Federation