Help Hope Take Root
This winter, we're raising £15,000 to help people across Bristol and Bath find friendship, wellbeing and belonging in their local parks. A generous supporter has already given £5,000, and they'll match the next £5,000 you give, pound for pound. Your £5 becomes £10.
Your park, your place
If you're reading this, you have a place outdoors that means something to you. It might be the park where you walk your dog, walk to work, clear your head or spend time with friends and family.
These places become woven into everyday life. They connect us to nature, our communities and the people around us. They make Bristol and Bath home.
Why winter is hard
Across England, more than one in five adults say they feel lonely at least some of the time, and around 7% feel lonely often or always.* In Bristol alone, more than 74,800 adults are living with a diagnosis of depression.*
Research from the University of Bath shows that loneliness is often about much more than being physically alone. Trusted spaces, meaningful relationships and strong community networks all matter.*
Shorter days, colder weather and less daylight can leave people feeling isolated and disconnected, and the festive period can be especially lonely. But there's growing evidence that time in nature can support better mental health and wellbeing.*
Nature and community, together
We've never seen nature, wellbeing and community as separate things. Time in nature can improve mental health. Strong communities help people feel connected, supported and less alone.
So we bring the two together. We create chances for people to connect with nature alongside other people, building friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging. We also help local communities care for and shape the parks around them.
When people thrive, parks thrive. And when parks thrive, communities thrive.
Roots to Wellbeing
Our free 18-week Roots to Wellbeing programmes run in parks across Bristol and Bath. Participants take part in gentle movement, mindfulness, gardening, nature crafts like wreath making, and conversation, in a friendly, welcoming group.
In 2025:*
- 95% reported improved wellbeing
- 93% felt less lonely
- 86% made new friends
- 82% felt happier
- 79% felt more confident
"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 year I suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder. This did not happen last winter for the first time in my life." — Rich, Roots to Wellbeing participant.
Parks shaped by people that use them
"We were allowed to voice all our thoughts and dreams for our local park. What we achieved was not only a clear request, but an exciting future for our local park where everyone is truly able to access and enjoy it." — Resident, Eastville Park accessibility project.
This winter, we need your help to strengthen those roots
Your gift helps local people improve their mental health through connection with nature. It helps protect and champion the parks at the heart of community life. Most of all, it helps build stronger, healthier, more connected communities across Bristol and Bath. And right now, a generous supporter will double it.
£6 a month – become a regular supporter For as little as £6 a month, you can help hope take root all year round.
£500 – help someone take the first step £500 could pay for eight Roots to Wellbeing sessions for one person to connect with nature, build confidence and find community.*
£1,000 – help nature become part of the solution £1,000 could pay for 16 Roots to Wellbeing sessions, helping more people find friendship and wellbeing in their local park.* [Based on the £500 = eight sessions figure. Check it.]
£5,000 – create lasting change across Bristol and Bath £5,000 could help create stronger parks, stronger communities and better mental health across Bristol and Bath for years to come.
Other ways to help
- Enter our raffle before Friday 20 November, with prizes kindly donated by Blaise Plant Nursery.
- Sponsor Rob: our Chair, Rob, is walking 30+ miles in early December, visiting all 13 of Bristol's Local Nature Reserves. Everything he raises counts towards our appeal.
- Share this page with friends, family and colleagues.
Thank you
Please donate today and help hope take root where you live. You'll help someone find friendship when they feel alone, make local parks more welcoming, and help communities thrive.
Because when people feel connected to nature, to their community and to each other, good things grow.
