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.
New bridge and bus changes planned to improve pedestrian safety in Bradford on Avon
Plans to improve pedestrian safety and ease congestion in Bradford on Avon are moving forward as Wiltshire Council and Bradford on Avon Town Council work together on a series of major transport projects. At the centre of the plans is a proposed new pedestrian and...
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance flies 1,159 lifesaving missions in 2025
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity has released its mission statistics for 2025, highlighting the vital role it continues to play in delivering critical care across the region. The Charity was called to 1,159 missions over the past year – a reminder of the...
Free evening Park and Ride makes nights out in Bath easier this January
Planning an evening in Bath this winter just got a little easier. From dining out and cinema trips to theatre nights and live music, visitors and locals alike can leave the car behind and enjoy the city stress-free, thanks to a week of free Park and Ride travel after...



