NEW YEAR’S DAY ICEBREAKER DIP

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.
Maggie O’Farrell to headline Bath Literature Festival 1/6/26
Bath Literature Festival is delighted to welcome the bestselling author of Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell to celebrate the release of her new novel, Land. The award-winning Irish author of novels including Hamnet, The Marriage Portrait, After You’d Gone, The Hand That First...
Bath Dragons are back for 2026
Bath Dragons 2026 Launches With A New £5,000 Cash Prize As Well As £20,000 Support Package for Growing Businesses Across Bath After the resounding success of last year’s inaugural competition, 2026 promises to be even bigger, bolder, and packed with opportunity for...
Wiltshire residents urged to join the Great British Spring Clean 2026
Wiltshire Council is encouraging residents, schools and community groups to take part in the Great British Spring Clean 2026, which runs from 13 to 29 March. The national campaign, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, is the UK’s biggest mass action environmental...



