Help Ray Stay Safe and Keep Their Home in the UK

This fundraiser is for our friend Ray (Ridwanul). If you know Ray, you already know how much heart they put into everything. They came to Bristol from Bangladesh a few years ago with nothing but determination, and they’ve built a life here from scratch.

Ray is not safe if they have to return to Bangladesh. Here in Bristol they have found safety, purpose, love, and family through their friends and the creative community. This isn’t just where they work. It’s their home, their safe space, and their chosen family.

Ray has given so much to Bristol and the community. Through Club 395 and The Bristol Creative Co, Ray & the team have created a space that has become a creative & nurturing home - where local creatives, people new to the UK, queer people, students, and emerging artists - have made lifetime friends, and performed for the very first time, developing into artists now performing in venues and festivals nationwide. The space has hosted more than 200 programs, supported countless musicians and artists, and made sure everyone feels welcome. For many of us, Ray’s spaces and nurturing energy have been lifelines to new career paths, creativity, and friendships.

Ray’s Impact (READ)

Now they need us.

—They had this amount saved up, but had to invest it on 395’s rent and wages to grow the space & community into what it is today—

Every penny will go directly to securing Ray’s right to stay in the country that has become their true home.

If you can give, please do. Even the smallest donation will help.

And if you can’t donate, there is two more ways to help -

Ray has always been there for others. Let’s be there for them now!