Help Hope Take Root: our Winter Appeal
This winter, we're raising £15,000 to help people across Bristol and Bath find friendship, wellbeing and belonging in their local parks. And thanks to a generous supporter, every gift you make will be doubled.
Why winter matters
Shorter days, colder weather and less daylight can leave people feeling isolated and cut off, and the festive period can be especially lonely. Across England, more than one in five adults say they feel lonely at least some of the time.* In Bristol alone, more than 74,800 adults are living with a diagnosis of depression.*
We know parks can help. Time in nature can support better mental health, and strong communities help people feel connected and less alone. We bring the two together.
How your local park can help
Our free Roots to Wellbeing programme runs for 18 weeks in parks across Bristol and Bath. Groups meet for gentle movement, mindfulness, gardening, nature crafts like wreath making, and a good chat, in a friendly and welcoming space.
In 2025, 95% of participants reported improved wellbeing, 93% felt less lonely and 86% made new friends.*
Rich joined Roots to Wellbeing after living with depression for many years. He told us: "After 50 years of suffering I finally felt an acceptance with others and myself. I was amongst people who treated me as a valued equal."
Every gift doubled
A generous supporter has already given £5,000 to the appeal, and they'll match the next £5,000 you give, pound for pound. So your £5 becomes £10, and your £50 becomes £100.
It's £5 for the 1 in 5, a thousand times over, and every gift helps someone find friendship and fresh air when they need it most.
Other ways to get involved
- Enter our raffle. Tickets are £2 each and sales close on 20 November. Winners will be drawn on 23 November. Buy online or pick up paper tickets at Blaise Plant Nursery.
- Sponsor Rob. Our Chair, Rob, is walking more than 30 miles over three days in early December, visiting all 13 of Bristol's Local Nature Reserves. Everything he raises counts towards the appeal.
- Share this page with friends, family and colleagues.
