Category Archives: Health and Wellbeing

Debt Awareness Week 2023

Jordan Thomas is pictured smiling, with moantains and trees in the background.
Today’s guest blog is from
Jordan Thomas, Project Coordinator
at Citizens Advice Bristol.

Citizens Advice Bristol is part of a network of advice agencies and services in the city who have been working together to coordinate our response to the national cost of living crisis.

As we mark DebtChange’s tenth Debt Awareness Week since its launch in 2014, many of those affected by debt will be under increased financial pressure as the national cost of living crisis continues. Energy price hikes, the rising cost of food and stagnant wages are not just creating debt for millions of people in the UK, but making it more difficult for those with existing debt to make repayments. Debt can affect anyone, and it is increasingly important to be aware of the services and support available to help manage debt, as well as the help available for managing food, energy, and benefit entitlements. 

While we cannot solve all of the challenges facing many Bristolians, we, together with other advice agencies, mental health workers and community groups are working together to put additional support in place for those who are most affected.

Across the UK, Citizens Advice alone is currently helping more than two people every minute with access to crisis support, like food bank referrals and charitable grants. This year more than 137,000 people have been referred for this type of support – a 50% increase on the same period last year, and a 167% increase on the same period in 2019. We’ve also helped 50,000 people with energy debts, and almost 15,000 people who couldn’t afford to top up their prepayment meter. This is over three times higher than the same period in 2021.

As part of our response, we have trained cost of living advice assistants who are currently working in some of the 100 Welcoming Spaces across the city bringing advice services into community spaces where everyone can access the support they need, in a place that is comfortable and safe.

They can provide help and support around welfare benefits, managing money, debt and discretionary support (food bank vouchers, energy vouchers and grants). They can also refer citizens onto other services or dedicated caseworkers for people with complex situations. Advice assistants are also available for several evening sessions in some Welcoming Spaces, to ensure access to the service for those working in the day who might otherwise be unable to access the same support. Please visit our website to find our current drop-in locations, days and times.

As Project Coordinator for our cost of living project, I have seen many citizens facing debt for the first time this year, many of whom were unaware of the help available to them. It can be just as important to understand the resources available to help avoid incurring debt, as it can be to manage existing debt. This is why we are drawing attention to advice and services that can help you navigate the cost of living crisis, as well as resources for dealing with debt. 

If you are worrying about the cost of living crisis you are not alone and there is support out there. The support you can get will depend on your circumstances but you can read helpful information and guidance from Citizens Advice and find out how to contact Citizens Advice Bristol on our website.

For advice on managing debt:

See our comprehensive debt and money webpage for advice on managing debt, as well as bankruptcy, IVAs, debt management plans or debt relief and administration orders. You can also find guidance here on budgeting, mortgage problems, rent arrears, creditors, borrowing, banking, pensions, tax, financial advice and gambling problems. 

Other organisations we recommend:

Benefits:

  • Use Bristol City Council’s benefits calculator to find out whether you’re eligible for financial help
  • WECIL – benefits advice with a focus on those who have a disability or health condition
  • Age UK – benefits for anyone aged 55 years or over
  • Macmillan – benefits advice for people living with cancer or their loved ones
  • Carers UK – for people looking after a friend or family member

The council’s Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service can support with benefits-related issues for a range of eligible clients, services and organisations in Bristol, including vulnerable people on low incomes, Disabled people and full-time carers. Support workers in services commissioned by the council can refer eligible individuals for money and debt advice.

Don’t forget you can also speak to one of our advice assistants in various Welcoming Spaces.

If you need advice on any other cost of living-related issues you can also get in touch with:

Bristol City Council’s cost of living support webpage has plenty of additional guidance and signposting on food, benefits, housing, employment, or mental health and emotional wellbeing. As well as information on the Welcoming Spaces in Bristol.

A new chapter for Jacobs Wells Baths

A graphic with Jacob Wells Baths building in the foreground. The Mayor of Bristol's logo is top left of the image. In the top right of the image, text reads: Chance For Community To Transform The Former Jacobs Wells Baths.

At the turn of the year, with costs rising, Fusion Lifestyle decided to withdraw from their project at Jacobs Wells Baths. They had planned to restore the swimming pool as part of a leisure, dance and arts, and community centre. We shared the disappointment of local people, as it has always been our ambition to see this Grade II listed building, first opened in 1889, and asset of community value restored to its former glory and back in active use.

Councillor Craig Cheney is pictured, smiling.
This blog is by Councillor Craig Cheney, Deputy Mayor for Finance, Governance, Performance, and Culture, and Labour Councillor for Hillfields.

Our administration created the time to consider next steps for the site by deferring officer proposals to dispose of it – removing it from the list of other surplus council-owned properties which we have decided to sell on the open market. In the meantime, we have received some initial expressions of interest from a few parties, sharing their ideas for the future of the site on Jacob’s Wells Road.

Having considered their submissions with the property team and the Mayor’s Office, including the beginnings of funding plans, and after visiting the site, we have decided to open up a public expressions of interest process to formally select a preferred bidder to transform the former baths.

Organisations will have until 9am on Tuesday 2 May to send us an outline of their viable proposals (short of a fully-costed and detailed business plan). These will be scored out of 60 by the Community Asset Transfer board using the following criteria:

  • Track record of managing community assets and understanding of all legislation applicable to managing the building (10);
  • Financial viability of the proposal: capital, future revenue streams, running costs (10);
  • Ability to preserve and restore a prominent, historic, listed building (10);
  • Clear vision for the building (5);
  • Range and level of local community and social benefits (5);
  • Ability to engage the diverse communities that make up Bristol (5);
  • Ability to make a significant contribution to the arts, culture and leisure offer in Bristol (5);
  • Capacity and capability to manage the asset to a high standard (5);
  • Track record and commitment to working in partnership (5).
The interior of Jacobs Wells Baths is pictured, showing some of the rotten floor pulled up and holes in the ceiling.

Interested parties can see from the previous guide to the site, and other documents from when we undertook a full Community Asset Transfer process in 2017, that the site remains in need of significant work. The former dance studio’s floor is rotting, and the roof in particular needs a lot of attention.

To submit an expression of interest, ask to visit the site, or enquire for further information, please contact community.buildings@bristol.gov.uk

Jacob-Wells-BathsDownload

Investing in a healthier future for Bristol

Over £8 million of investment for Bristol’s major leisure and sporting facilities has been confirmed. This is part of a new 15-year deal between the council and Everyone Active, creating more opportunities for Bristol residents to keep active and improve their health. Everyone Active is also utilising £4.7 million of their own funds over the course of our contract with them.

The council’s new contract will see Everyone Active continue to manage Horfield Leisure Centre, Bristol South Swimming Pool, Henbury Leisure Centre, Easton Leisure Centre, and St Pauls Community Sports Academy.

We know that exercising regularly is great for both the body and mind, but access to good facilities for all levels of fitness and accessibility needs can be an issue. This investment shows our continued commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of residents in Bristol. There will be extensive refurbishment work taking place over the next three years at all sites. This includes a range of decarbonisation measures which will be rolled out to maximise energy conservation. The work planned will include renovating the Everyone Active centres and providing new, modern facilities for people to enjoy.

Larger fitness suites will be unveiled with the latest equipment suitable for all levels including free weights, strength and conditioning, and functional training kit. In addition to this, state-of-the-art studios, 3G pitch replacements, brand new soft play areas and cafes are included in the investment plans.

Bristol South Swimming Pool, is in the background. With the pool's sign in the foreground. Everyone Active's logo and Bristol City Council's logo is on the sign. White text reads Bristol South Swimming Pool.

My administration has always had a strong focus on social value and the council will be working alongside Everyone Active to collaborate with local schools and colleges to support local people into employment with new opportunities, apprenticeships, and work placements at these centres.

Everyone Active has appointed a Civic Partnership Manager to directly focus on social value in Bristol, to work with other agencies to encourage participation outside the leisure facilities. This will include improving overall levels of health and wellbeing and reducing anti-social behaviour by using activity for positive behaviour change.

As we move towards our One City Climate Strategy to become carbon neutral and climate resilient by 2030, the refurbishment of these facilities will reflect our ambition. We are ensuring the plans include ways to maximise energy conservation across the refurbished buildings, including decarbonisation

The council continues to make great progress on working with its preferred bidder Elite Sport to make sure new lease arrangements are in place for Kingsdown Sports Centre from the 1 April 2023, so the community can carry on enjoying sports and taking part in valuable exercise. I am pleased that Jubilee Swimming Pool, which recently transferred into community ownership, also continues to deliver local services for local people.

The new contract with Everyone Active will begin on 1 April 2023.

Continued support for Bristol’s Clean Air Zone

A Bristol Clean Air Zone sign, is pictured at the top of Park Street.

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone was introduced on 28 November last year to help protect the people of our city from the harmful effects of air pollution. We have a moral and legal duty to deliver cleaner air.

We knew that some people would need more time to adapt to the Clean Air Zone which is why we negotiated initial exemptions and secured extensions until 31 March. After four months, most of these exemptions will come to an end on 1 April. 

Overall, around four out of five vehicles driving in the zone already meet the zone’s requirements and aren’t being charged anything. This is a great step in the right direction.

Bristol has been instructed by government to introduce measures that will bring our city’s air quality within legal levels in the shortest possible time. This is because the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) which comes from older and more polluting vehicles has a serious impact on our health.

With that in mind, we have made sure that support is still available to Bristol’s residents and businesses who may need more help after exemptions end. Back in 2021, we secured a package of £42 million funding to help people to find ways to make their journeys in and around our city more sustainable. This is much more funding than other cities which have implemented Clean Air Zones

Grants and loans are still on offer to help you upgrade to a vehicle that won’t be charged in the zone. This doesn’t have to be a brand new or electric vehicle – it can be second hand as long as it meets the zone’s emissions standards. Support is available to Bristol based businesses and those on an income of less than £27,000, including Blue Badge holders. The £27,000 threshold is one which we had to push the government on too. It’s a lot higher than the £22,000 cap that was originally proposed.

It’s not too late to apply for this financial assistance and I would encourage anyone who needs support after March to get in touch by registering your interest on our website as soon as possible.

We also have free active travel offers available to anyone that lives or works in Bristol. This includes bike and e-bike trials, cycle training, VOI e-Scooter credit, bus and train taster tickets and car club credit. These offers are a great opportunity for people in Bristol to try out new ways of travelling that are better for their health, wellbeing, and the environment too. Changing just a few of your journeys each week can make a big difference. Apply on our website now to receive your free travel offers.

If you need advice or guidance about the Clean Air Zone, you can contact our team of advisors who are always happy to help. Take a look at the information on our webpages or give us a call on 0117 903 6385.

CPR could be the most important lesson you ever learn

Ben Lee, the Relationship Fundraising Manager at the British heart Foundation, smiling, standing on a bridge with a city harbour and houses in the background.
Today’s guest blog is from Ben Lee, who is the Relationship Fundraising Manager at the British Heart Foundation.

Would you know what to do if a loved one had a sudden cardiac arrest in front of you?

A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time – it could be someone you know or a complete stranger. And when it happens every second counts.

Knowing what to do in the ultimate medical emergency could be the difference between life and death.

According to new survey for the BHF, only half of people said they could perform lifesaving CPR on a loved one if the worst should happen.

Most cardiac arrests out of hospital take place in the home, meaning you are more likely to need these skills to save the life of someone you know.

This February as part of Heart Month, we have been calling on everyone to learn CPR using the BHF’s digital training tool, RevivR.

RevivR is free, quick and simple to use and in just 15 minutes you will be equipped with the skills that could help you save a life. All that is needed is a mobile phone and a firm cushion. 

RevivR teaches how to recognise a cardiac arrest, gives feedback on chest compressions and outlines the correct steps of using a defibrillator, giving anyone the confidence to step in and help.

It only takes 15 minutes – that’s a coffee break, half time in the football or the time you might spend scrolling through social media. So please put it on your to-do list today.  It could be the most important lesson you ever learn.

Alongside learning CPR with RevivR as part of Heart Month, we have also been asking people to “Go Red” to help fund groundbreaking research into heart and circulatory diseases, which affect around 46,000 people in Bristol.

We’re delighted that the Mayor of Bristol has joined in the “Go Red” challenge by lighting up the M Shed and City Hall in support of the campaign.  

The BHF is the largest independent funder of research into heart and circulatory diseases in the UK. Since we were established in 1961, our research and campaigning has contributed to the annual number of people dying from heart and circulatory diseases in the UK falling by half. Despite progress, heart and circulatory diseases still cause 70 deaths each month in Bristol.

We’re currently investing more than £15 million into research right here in Bristol – only made possible by the generosity of donations from the public. For example, researchers at the Bristol Heart Institute are investigating how they could improve the way surgeons treat children living with congenital heart disease, so they don’t need as many open-heart operations.

They have developed a revolutionary ‘heart plaster’. These patches have the potential to adapt and grow with the child’s heart as they get older, removing the need for repetitive heart surgeries and the many days at hospital recovering after each one. We are currently funding a project to ge these patches ready for testing in patients so clinical trials can start in the next two years, enabling more children and babies to benefit from the life-altering technology.

For more than 60 years BHF-funded research has turned ideas that once seemed like ‘science fiction’ into reality. By going red for the BHF this Heart Month, you will be supporting the discovery of new treatments and breakthroughs for heart and circulatory diseases and helping keep families together for longer.

To support the British Heart Foundation this Heart Month, visit bhf.org.uk/heartmonth  

#HeartMonth

Providing a safe space for open water swimming in Bristol

Bristol's Harbour is pictured, with houses in the background and boats in the foreground. White text in the bottom left corner of the image reads: Harbour swimming pilot to launch in March. The Mayor of Bristol's logo can also be seen.

Open water swimming has become increasingly popular over recent years and we know there are many groups and individuals in Bristol who want the opportunity to enjoy it safely.

It can be hard to imagine when you’re faced with the thought of wading out into cold water but there are proven health benefits. Cold water swimming can boost your immune system, metabolism, and increase happiness- so why shouldn’t we give it a go? We have listened to people’s requests for a safe swimming space in our harbour and have been working with local and experienced partners to explore how we can make this a reality.

Bristol’s harbour is a working area in an integral part of the city. To make sure we can offer an area that is safe to swim there must be measures in place to ensure the health and safety of all harbour users. This means having an area of our harbour cordoned-off to create a course specifically for swimming which can be safely accessed. There will be lifeguards and safety boats to help to keep people using the swimming facility safe. Otherwise it remains unsafe to swim in the harbour or other waterways in Bristol, as we continue to highlight through safety campaigns and signage around the docks.

We have also been working with partners like Wessex Water to check the water quality and look at how we can put in place additional testing to ensure it is safe before allowing people into the water.  We have been drawing on the expertise of All Aboard, based alongside the Cottage, and Uswim, the open water swim specialists who also operate sites around the country, and are working with them and local partners towards an open water swim trial for Bristol’s harbour this spring.

After an initial test swim in March, our aim is to run one-hour public swim sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings for five weeks starting on 29 April. The sessions will be available to pre-book online at a cost of £7 per person – this small charge allows us to have in place the necessary water safety provisions. In the meantime, stay out of the harbour and swim at one of our city’s many pools.

This trial will allow us to assess whether or not we can provide a designated open water swimming area that is safe and financially sustainable – this is pertinent given the current financial challenges faced by the council in general and the harbour in particular.

Throughout the pilot we will monitor costs, up-take, and any impact on our ability to maintain a safe environment throughout our harbour. The health and safety of all harbour users is our first priority and, along with other members of the Bristol Water Safety Partnership, our harbour staff work hard to prevent accidents and maintain a safe waterway so that people can enjoy all our harbour has to offer. This cannot be compromised.

World Encephalitis Day 2023

Mark Wiltshire, smiling, with trees and plants behind him.
Today’s guest blog is from Mark Wiltshire, Encephalitis Society

My name is Mark Wiltshire and back in 2004, when I was 17 years old, I was affected by Viral Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain caused by a viral infection. When I woke in hospital after suffering a suspected seizure caused by the inflammation, I had lost over two years’ worth of memories. This included a once in a lifetime trip to Thailand and Japan when I was luckily enough to be selected as part of the UK contingency for the world Scout Jamboree.

Nearly 20 years on I am still suffering from the side effects of the virus, namely memory issues and severe mental fatigue. I manage this by being physically fit and playing rugby for a local club, and with my passion of photography. This new passion not only helps me relax and switch off from the world, giving my mind time to reset and recover, but also aids in giving me reminders of places I have visited.

World Encephalitis Day, on Wednesday the 22nd of February, is the global awareness day for people who have been directly or indirectly affected by encephalitis. In 2021 over 150 famous places across the world, including Niagara Falls, the Melbourne Wheel, and Tower 42 in London to go Red4Wed. With the help of Bristol City Council lighting City Hall red, we hope to continue this success and increase awareness this year.

Since its launch ten years ago, World Encephalitis Day has reached over 295 million people through media features, events and social media. It is our hope that it will play a leading role in our mission to increase global awareness of encephalitis and therefore saving lives and building better futures.

World Encephalitis Day's poster has a red background on the left and a photo of brain on the right. Text on the left reads: 77% of people worldwide do not know what encephalitis is. Here are five facts about this often devastating neurological condition for World Encephalitis Day on 22nd February. On the right text explains five facts about Encephalitis: 1. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain 2. It is caused by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain 3. It can have a high death rate and survivors might be left with an acquired brain injury and life-changing consequences 4. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives and improve outcomes 5. In some cases, encephalitis can impact mental health, causing difficult to deal with emotions and behaviours, and can lead to thoughts of self-harm and even suicide


Five facts about encephalitis:

1. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain

2. It is caused by an infection or through the immune system attacking the brain

3. It can have a high death rate and survivors might be left with an acquired brain injury and life-changing consequences

4. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives and improve outcomes

5. In some cases, encephalitis can impact mental health, causing difficult to deal with emotions and behaviours, and can lead to thoughts of self-harm and even suicide 

For more in formation see: www.worldencephalitisday.org

Tonight Bristol City Hall, M-Shed and Clarke Willmott’s Bristol Office by Castle Park will be lit up red in support.

Life Savers: The importance of Defibrillators and CPR

Today’s guest blog is from Simon Brooks from Defibs4Bristol.com

Late last year, city councillors had the opportunity to learn CPR and had evidence first hand from an air ambulance doctor on the importance of :

  • The availability of more public defibrillators in our communities
  • A greater knowledge of how to use them alongside bystander CPR

Additionally, councillors heard from Louise Polledri, whose 24 year old son died after going into Cardiac Arrest in Millennium Square. He may have survived had a defibrillator been available.

Bristol City Council unanimously passed a motion to Make Bristol a CPR friendly city.

If there’s anything I’ve learnt from the 25 public defibrillators I’ve installed across Bristol, it’s that it’s us, the public, who can make the biggest difference to someone surviving a cardiac arrest. I am working on my own project and with the Air Ambulance to install CPADS (Community Public Access Defibrillators). They are fail-safe devices and tell the user exactly what to do.

We all need to learn how to perform CPR — a basic, lifesaving skill — and have the confidence to utilise it alongside an AED (Automated Exterior Defibrillator) when needed. That’s why I’m also campaigning to make it a condition that taxi driver licences can only be obtained if the taxi driver learns CPR; it will ensure we have a mobile fleet of lifesavers around our city. It’s also why I volunteer with the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) and their Heartstarters project teaching CPR in schools.

Sam Polledri’s death had a devastating impact on his parents and family. And on the thousands of others who live with the knowledge that things could, and should, have been different for their loved ones. Nor can words bring them back. But they can help stop the heartbreak from happening to other families.

My website gives an insight into the project. I am happy to work with anyone in the city to help get as many CPADs out there as possible so Bristol has a proper network. If you know how to perform bystander CPR or you’re a medical professional and want to help GWAAC teach our community this skill, find out how you can help on their website.

Today we took an HIV test, here’s why you should too

Councillor Ellie King, seen on the left and Mayor Marvin Rees, seen on the right are either side of Unity Sexual Health employees in Bristol City Council's chamber hall. They are holding leaflets advising people to test for HIV.
Today’s blog is from myself and Councillor Ellie King, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities

Today we both took an HIV test. That shouldn’t be a remarkable statement, but we know that for some people, it is.

We’re proud to be kicking off a week of activities for National HIV Testing Week across Bristol. Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, and part of our Unity Sexual Health Service in Bristol, have set up several walk-in testing clinics across our city, taking place on:

  • Tuesday 7 February from 12pm to 4pm at UWE Bower Ashton Campus, Bristol, BS3 2JT;
  • Thursday 9 February from 9:30am to 3pm at East Trees Health Centre, 100a Fishponds Road, BS5 6SA;
  • Tuesday 14 February from 11am to 3pm at UWE Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour lane, BS16 1QY.

Free tests can also be ordered online and delivered to your home or picked up from the HIV vending machines at Watershed and Hamilton House.

Mayor Marvin Rees, getting tested for HIV, with an employee from Terrence Higgns Trust and Unity Health.

Knowing your HIV status isn’t something to be ashamed of or worried about. What is worrying is that nearly 60 per cent of people living with HIV in our city are still diagnosed late, which is a lot higher than the national average. When someone is diagnosed late, it means that the virus has already started to attack their immune system. This is entirely preventable, as once a person is on effective treatment they can live a long, healthy life and can’t pass on the virus to others.

To make a real difference, we have to make HIV testing routine practice both in our health service and our communities.

We’ve been calling for funds for ‘opt-out’ HIV testing for our hospitals in Bristol, so that everyone who has blood taken in our emergency departments is tested. We’re ready and waiting for the funding to get this started and, while the Health Secretary drags his heels, the case for it is only growing. Now 1,500 people have been diagnosed with HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C through the programme in London, Manchester, Brighton and Blackpool. That’s why leading charities in the fight against HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C have joined together this month to call for blood-borne virus testing in all emergency departments in areas with a high prevalence of HIV, which includes Bristol. So we need our residents to make their voice heard on routine HIV testing, and you can join the call by signing the open letter here.

Councillor Ellie King, getting tested for HIV, with an employee from Unity Health.

Testing for HIV lets you take control of your health. We could be part of the generation that ends new HIV transmissions in this country. That’s why we’ve both tested today and why we’ll keep putting pressure on the government to make testing routine in our health service.  

For more information about sexual health services and HIV testing and treatment in Bristol, please go to the Unity Sexual Health website.

A ground-breaking new facility for Bristol Children’s Hospital

Mayor Marvin Rees (left) and Nicola Masters (right), smiling in front of Bristol Children's Hospital
Today’s guest blog is from Nicola Masters (right),
Director and Co-founder of The Grand Appeal.

The Grand Appeal is the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital. As part of our commitment to ensuring the hospital remains at the forefront of children’s healthcare, we are creating a pioneering facility that will be the first of its kind in the UK.

Jingle Jam Building will offer accommodation and treatment facilities all under one roof.

Over 100,000 children from the South West and South Wales visit Bristol Children’s Hospital every year. Imagine arriving in Bristol, an unfamiliar city, with nowhere to go while your child needs life-saving care. With Bristol Children’s Hospital serving the whole city region and often further afield – the largest geographical area of any children’s hospital in England – this is the reality for many families that pass through its doors.

Some stay for days, but many stay for weeks or even months. Jingle Jam Building will mean these families can be together during the last steps of their child’s recovery before they return home.

This unique development will improve the care of young patients undergoing different treatments, such as

  • Children who need long-term rehabilitation and/or therapy after an accident or major surgery
  • Children who need rehabilitation after brain surgery or a brain injury
  • Children under the care of the Orthopaedic team who treat bone, joint, ligament, tendon, and muscle disorders
  • Children treated for chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
  • Children working with hospital dietitians or who need specialist diets
  • Children who have cystic fibrosis
Artist impressions of the Jingle Jam building.
Artists impression of the Jingle Jam building.

It will also increase resource, and capacity and enhance the incredible work of the talented doctors, nurses, and staff at Bristol Children’s Hospital. The building is currently in the planning stage and will be based near the hospital.

This project is only possible thanks to the support of Jingle Jam. Jingle Jam is the brainchild of Bristol-based gaming company, The Yogscast. This epic event is the world’s biggest gaming charity fundraiser, which brings together the gaming community each December to raise millions for good causes, including The Grand Appeal. We’re proud to have worked in partnership with our fellow Bristolians at The Yogscast since 2017. 

A picture of the Cots for Tots House.

Founded in 1995, The Grand Appeal works in partnership with Bristol Children’s Hospital to run a multi-million-pound portfolio of investment.

It’s where babies, children, and young people with highly complex medical conditions – from rare genetic disorders, neurological conditions and congenital heart disease to traumatic injuries, cancer, and kidney disease – are all cared for around the clock. 

Just like Bristol, the hospital is a hub of innovation, where these experts create a brighter future for sick children every day through a vast network of research projects with international impact. So much so that Bristol Children’s Hospital has been recognised in the world’s top 14 children’s hospitals (Newsweek, 2021).

It’s thanks to The Grand Appeal’s partnership with the hospital and our friends at Aardman, that Bristol Children’s Hospital is a pioneer in so many fields today. That partnership is only made possible through fundraising – in all its fantastic forms – by people with one thing in common: the drive to change the lives of seriously ill children and their families. 

Nicola Masters (left) and Mayor Marvin Rees (right) stand, smiling, outside the BRI. A sign on the building says: Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Paul O'Gorman Building.

That vision that we all share has never been more critical. The incredible advancements in medicine that the last two decades have brought about mean that more and more children are living with increasingly complex conditions and will rely on hospital services throughout their lives. Our goal is not just that they survive; but that they thrive. 

Underpinned by economic uncertainty, children’s hospitals now rely on innovative technology, science and models of care – like Jingle Jam Building – and, of course, on the comprehensive support of charities like The Grand Appeal. 

Jingle Jam Building is just one of the ways we make your children’s hospital the very best it can be.