Community groups
In 2024, community groups from across the Stroud district were invited to take part in a video project to showcase how welcoming and inclusive the district is. 'Our District Lives' was released in early 2025.
This project was coordinated by the Community Representation Taskforce.
The video provides just a snapshot of the number and variety of community groups in the district. You can find out more information about the groups included in the video, including how you can join, here:
Amberley Shop & Café
Membership is open to everybody, and you don’t need to be a member to use the shop or café or join any of the events.
- https://amberleyshoponthecommon.co.uk
- https://www.facebook.com/AmberleyShop
- https://www.instagram.com/amberleyshoponthecommon/
Building Circles
The group is open to adults with learning disabilities who live around Stroud and Stonehouse. Membership has limited capacity due to the size of the allotment, but enquiries can be made using the links below.
Cainscross Rugby Football Club
The club has a minis and juniors section, mixed ability rugby section and a senior men’s team. Minis and juniors is for boys and girls aged 3-12, mixed ability rugby section is open to anyone aged 16+ and is a touch rugby group which welcomes all abilities, and the senior men's team is for men aged 18+.
- https://cainscrossrfc.rfu.club/
- https://www.facebook.com/CainscrossRfc/
- https://www.facebook.com/cainscrossrfcmixedability
- https://www.instagram.com/cainscrossrfc/
Chatters Haresfield
Open to any Haresfield local resident, their family and friends or anyone who has lived in the village and would like to catch up with old friends.
Cotswold Boatmobility
This group offers opportunities to go boating to people confined to wheelchairs on the Stroudwater Canal, allowing them to get close to nature and enjoy the wildlife.
Open to everyone, and particularly for people with limited mobility, disabilities, additional needs and their families or support workers.
Cotswold Playhouse
Open to all, free membership to under 18s and first year free to all members.
- www.cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk
- https://www.facebook.com/CotswoldPlayhouse/
- https://www.instagram.com/thecotswoldplayhouse/
Down to Earth Stroud & Local Community Market Gardens Sheepscombe
Open to anyone interested in growing local, sustainable and affordable organic food.
Five Valleys Voices
Non-audition, inclusive and friendly community choir. Open to all age 13+.
Gloucestershire Puja & Cultural Association
The group has been formed by Bengalis to celebrate cultural events together; however, the group is open to and welcome all communities in the district.
GL11 Walking Group
Welcoming group meeting weekly and going for a walk, suitable for all. To join, prospective members need to contact the GL11 Community Hub reception to ensure there is space.
Leonard Stanley Friendship Group
Anyone local can join.
Rodborough Folk Orchestra (RoffO)
The group is open to all who play an instrument to any standard, and who want to play the traditional music of the British Isles and beyond.
Stroud & District u3a
Open to all retired or semi-retired people.
Stroud Community Agriculture
There are bursaries available for people on low incomes. No means testing is necessary for a bursary.
- https://stroudcommunityagriculture.org/
- https://www.facebook.com/StroudCommunityAgriculture
- https://www.instagram.com/stroudcommunityagriculture/
Stroud Dad’s Camp
Open to all fathers. The camps have a bursary scheme to ensure all can attend.
Stroud Morris Dancers
Open to anyone, although under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Stroud Symphony Orchestra
A friendly and welcoming full symphony orchestra, which attracts musicians from across the district.
Stroud Valleys Project – Creative Shed
Creative Shed is open to everyone and is totally inclusive. Some people who come along are experiencing mental health issues, have learning disabilities, or have been looking for work.
The Keepers Wotton Area Community Hub
Open to the entire community – no age restrictions.
TwoCan Inclusive Theatre Company
TwoCan offers creative opportunities for everyone but especially welcomes Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse people who may find barriers in accessing the arts.
- https://www.twocantheatre.org.uk/
- https://www.facebook.com/people/TwoCan-Inclusive/61551398324211/
- https://www.instagram.com/twocaninclusive/
Uplands Good Companions
An informal group meeting monthly in Uplands, aiming to prevent loneliness and learn about the community. The group doesn’t have a website or social media, therefore if interested in joining please contact policy@stroud.gov.uk so enquiries can be passed on.
Wotton Area Climate Action Network
Open to anyone living in Wotton-under-Edge and surrounding areas.
- https://www.wottonareacan.org/
- https://www.facebook.com/WottonAreaCAN
- https://www.instagram.com/wottonareacan/
100 Acer Wood
Open to over 16s with an interest in conservation of a small area of young wet woodland.