NEW YEAR’S DAY ICEBREAKER DIP

Dec 23, 2025 | Events

Kicking off with a New Year’s Day Dip, from 1st January 2026, a unique partnership between a hospice charity and a cold-water therapy charity will be increasing men’s awareness of, and access to therapeutic, nature-connection activities in communities across England. 

 

Through a shared ambition to produce positive mental health benefits for men, Dorothy House and Icebreakers are kicking off 2026 with a New Year’s Day group cold water immersion, breath and movement practice, sauna and wellbeing session. Their ongoing partnership aims to offer fellowship and connection in order to benefit men’s experience of caring, grief and bereavement.  

With IceBreaker Chapters across the UK, in Bath, Brighton, London and Bristol, the growing network will be supported by Dorothy House Hospice Care’s specialist bereavement training, alongside light touch, open access support for any men caring for loved ones at the end of life, or any men who have experienced grief and bereavement. 

“IceBreakers exists because too many men feel they have to carry things alone. Cold water, movement and time in nature give us a way in – a shared experience that opens the door to connection and conversation. 

Working with Dorothy House allows us to offer that support with greater care and understanding for men navigating grief, loss or the reality of caring for someone at the end of life. This partnership is about meeting men where they are, creating spaces that feel safe, grounded and human and making sure that support is free, accessible and available in the community.” 
Ric Baldock, Director, IceBreakers 

New Year’s Day Dip 
9:30-11:30 
IceBreakers New Year’s Day Dip Tickets, Thu 1 Jan 2026 at 09:30 | Eventbrite 
Thursday, 1st January 2026 
Warleigh Weir, Ferry Lane, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BH 
What3words > ///month.chill.soon Extended movement and breathwork session with IceBreaker founder, Arron Collins-Thomas (Owner of TONIQ, PT and Qigong instructor), free sauna, camp stove brekkie and, of course, the dip in the river Avon. 

 

A society where death is part of life 

“We are really excited to be able to work together with IceBreakers to build awareness and deliver bereavement support in communities across the country, through our specialist training and open access, wellbeing resources.” 
James Byron, Director of Engagement.  

For the past 50 years, hospice charity, Dorothy House has provided free, personalised palliative and end of life care to thousands of people, combining excellent care with practical and emotional support. 

The partnership with IceBreakers offers a unique opportunity to offer regular therapeutic interventions for men encountering mental distress due to pre-bereavement and bereavement.  

 

£20 million investment for Twerton and Whiteway ward

£20 million investment for Twerton and Whiteway ward

Work to support Twerton and Whiteway ward communities to benefit from £20 million Government Pride of Place money will take significant steps forward in the New Year. Pride in Place funding aims to help communities make long-term improvements that residents want...

Pantomime stars visit the Bath Royal United Hospital

Pantomime stars visit the Bath Royal United Hospital

Stars of the Theatre Royal Bath’s pantomime The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook today visited the Children’s Ward at Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, where they met young patients and their families during the festive...

Festive magic for Christmas 2026 already on the horizon in Bath

Festive magic for Christmas 2026 already on the horizon in Bath

  Bath & North East Somerset Council is delighted to announce that the internationally-acclaimed Bath Christmas Market will once again bring festive cheer to the city from November 26 to December 13, 2026. The council is announcing the dates for the magical event...