A unique partnership between hospice charity Dorothy House and cold-water therapy charity IceBreakers will launch on 1 January 2026, aiming to increase men’s awareness of, and access to, therapeutic nature-connection activities in communities across England.
The two organisations share an ambition to create positive mental health benefits for men. They will begin the year with a group cold water immersion at Warleigh Weir, combined with breath and movement practice, sauna time and a wellbeing session. Their ongoing collaboration will focus on offering fellowship and connection to support men experiencing caring responsibilities, grief and bereavement.
With IceBreaker chapters already established in Bath, Brighton, London and Bristol, the growing network will be supported by Dorothy House’s specialist bereavement training. Light-touch, open-access support will be made available for any men caring for loved ones at the end of life, or for those who have experienced grief and loss.
Ric Baldock, Director of IceBreakers, said, “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.”
New Year’s Day Dip
9.30–11.30am, Thursday 1 January 2026
Warleigh Weir, Ferry Lane, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BH
What3words: ///month.chill.soon
The event includes an extended movement and breathwork session with IceBreaker founder Arron Collins-Thomas, free sauna access, a camp-stove breakfast and, of course, the cold-water dip in the River Avon.
James Byron, Director of Engagement at Dorothy House, said, “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.”
For the past 50 years 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 new opportunity to deliver regular therapeutic interventions for men encountering mental distress due to pre-bereavement and bereavement.
