Knowle West is a neighbourhood in south Bristol, home to 12,000 residents. Since its creation in the 1930s following slum clearance in the city centre, the area has been plagued by long-term social and economic issues and scores high on multiple measures of deprivation.
Perceptions of Knowle West in the media and among other outsiders tend to focus on stereotyped understandings of ‘issues’ and ‘problems’ and have often been formed without a dialogue with the people who live in the community.
However, below misplaced media representations lies richness in Knowle West and places like it. Familial and social networks built over the years offer its community a strong sense of identity, and often practical solutions and everyday support.
Through this photo essay I intended to engage and interact with the community of Knowle West with a silent mind and without preconceptions to create an authentic record of my interactions and experiences.”
Support the journalism Bristol needs.
Thanks to the 2,500 members who support the Cable, our in-depth journalism is free for everyone. Together, we empower readers with independent and investigative local reporting. Join us and be a part of Bristol’s reader-owned media cooperative.
Join the Cable
Opinion Ideas And Action
How helping people take drugs safely will save lives
Bristol City Council’s new Drug Strategy consultation will consider the use of safe consumption rooms. Transform Drug Policy's head of campaigns examines what this could mean for the city.
Reports Black History Month
Black and ethnic minority people more likely to face cannabis prosecution in Bristol, data shows
‘No excuse’ for ethnic disparities say police, as overall prosecutions for Class B drug rise despite local diversion programme
Banner Home Page Features
Deputy Mayor wants pilot for safe consumption room in new drug strategy
More consultation is needed and city needs to work out how to fund it, but Asher Craig says it could be one way to reduce drug deaths, as a mock safe consumption room was on display last week.
Ideas And Action
Breaking the chain of alcoholism
Josh couldn’t get out of a vicious circle of addiction and destruction until he found an organisation that tackles the long-term effects of having alcoholic parents.
Addicted Bristol: Life And Death Features Banner Home Page
Study drugs: how some are dealing with pressure at university
It appears study drugs aren't uncommon at Bristol University, so what does this say about the stresses of life on campus?
Series: The Cornerman Lower Banner Home Page
Episode 4: Tattoo parlours, nightclubs and firebombs – how businesses were blackmailed
In the last episode of the Cornerman, the Cable lifts the lid on protection rackets from London to Bristol, revealing how local businesses were forced to pay gangsters for security.
Comments
Report a commentComments are moderated according to our Comment Policy
Good, very insightful and thought provoking.