A Day in the life of... Sam Malley

You might already know Sam, as he’s often out and about in Stockwood! We love his local knowledge, and if you haven’t met him yet, he’s someone who has a real knack for bringing people together.

We wanted to take a moment to shine a light on his work and the role he plays in the team.

This is Sam Malley, our Nature Connection Coordinator.

Introductions

Can you tell us your name, job title, and how long you've worked at Bristol Charities? 

I'm Sam, and my job role is a Nature Connection Coordinator. I was previously a Community Connector who started last year! 

What team are you part of, and what does your team do? 

The team I'm part of is the Stockwood Community Hub, which works in Stockwood in a range of roles, from facilitating the food club, advertising what happens locally and bringing people together.

How would you describe your role in a sentence or two? 

My role in general terms is to connect more people with the great outdoors, through both their own personal journeys as well as how they can help others realise how nature can help them too.

A Typical Day 

Are there any daily rituals or routines that help you structure your day? 

Usually, I'm up around 6am or so, and have made it a habit to feed the birds in the garden, who are already lined up on the roofing before I'm out the door. Then I have breakfast whilst watching videos on whatever subject or mood, I'm in for that day.

In the warmer evenings you'll probably find me reading, pondering or even sleeping shamefully at 27 on the garden furniture.

What’s the first thing you usually do when you start work? 

Usually over a glass of water, I'll try and catch up with everyone and push through the respective dread as my emails load.

Highlights & Challenges 

Sam hard at work doing some planting in the Square

What’s your favorite part of your job? 

My favourite aspect would have to be seeing the change in individuals I've worked with for the better. From how they were when I met them, to seeing them becoming much more involved and socially active.

What’s been a recent highlight or proud moment at work? 

Something that I'm still buzzing about is the way in which Stockwood gathered for the wonderful solar eclipse. It was amazing to see our area represented through families whose children played as the spectacle unfolded, surrounded by people from different generations.

Amidst this we were all participating in our own way, through colander reflected paper, eclipse glasses and simply socialising.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your role – and how do you tackle it? 

The most challenging aspect is reaching people who otherwise wouldn't see what's going and keeping them updated. We try our best with our socials and notice boards but to reach them at their front door, so to say - that is something we're constantly working at.

what matters to you 

What motivates you in your work at Bristol Charities? 

As someone who has had my own challenges, to help others who are also going through the same brings me so much joy. It's amazing to learn all about their lives and what they'd like to do next moving forward.

Is there a part of the charity mission that particularly resonates with you? 

The desire of the charity to alleviate loneliness and create connection strikes a particular chord. You would think the days of tight-knit communities are long over, but are amazed to find it still has a pulse, and better yet, is far from being extinct. There is radical hope out there, if only we believe and nurture it.

Getting to Know You 

Taken by Sam, on one of his local Nature Walks

What do you like to do outside of work? 

My hobbies would have to be walking in nature, collecting books, writing and volunteering either in Stockwood or outside it.

Do you have a hidden talent, hobby or fun fact you can share? 

I collect all manner of strange nature themed objects, ranging from bones, rocks, feathers or even skulls. Though the latter is kept outside!    

If your job was a film, what would it be and why? 

Probably the film Perfect days for it's portrayal of the smallest moments and interactions seem at once both heart-warming and tender. I would like to think I do my best to create such opportunities for others, though I should find the time more to appreciate the little moments in my own life.

If you could have a superpower – what would it be?   

Hmm... perhaps to be a super mediator, to solve all the conflicts of the world. Infinite patience would be appreciated too.

What are you reading or watching at the moment? 

The Fate of Abraham by Peter Osbourne, absolutely fascinating!

We're proud to share the stories of our amazing team who help us deliver lasting impact in communities across Bristol.