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.
15/07/26 Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity Race Day coming to Bath Racecourse
A summer day of racing, fundraising and community spirit is heading to Bath Racecourse as the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity prepares to host a special Charity Race Day this July. Taking place on Wednesday 15 July, the event promises a full day of live...
Bath College invites 500 unemployed residents to Jobcentre Takeover Day
Bath College welcomed around 500 unemployed people to a special Jobcentre Takeover Day designed to connect local residents with education, apprenticeships and employment support. The event, held on 4 March, aimed to help adults in Bath and the wider Somerset area...
Inclusive Wiltshire launching to support children and young people with SEND
A new programme designed to expand activities and experiences for children and young people with additional needs is set to launch in Wiltshire this spring. Inclusive Wiltshire is a new approach from Wiltshire Council that aims to improve access to activities, social...



