Organisations

A specific legacy funds an on-going programme to enable the Wellspring Settlement to proactively identify and then support (through a programme of activities) the elderly and isolated in the local community and to extend its reach into neighbouring communities.

We support both the Nailsea and Weston Stroke Clubs, both friendly groups open to all stroke survivors and run mostly by stroke survivors. The clubs are there to provide information, communication support, a range of social activities (including arts, sports, exercise and singing) and an opportunity to talk to someone who understands because they have been through it.

The Park Centre is a vibrant community hub in South Bristol with the aim of supporting local people of all ages, including the elderly, to learn, gain employment, be fit and healthy, appreciate each other, enjoy life, and reach their full potential.

St James Priory is the Charity responsible for the Historic Grade 1 Listed Priory Church. It also operates St James House, on site Supported Housing accommodation for people in recovery from addiction, and a monthly lunch club (supported by The Grateful Society) for the elderly in the inner city of Bristol.

The Grateful Society contributes to this very successful Club for local people over 60 who are at risk of experiencing isolation and loneliness. It meets on Mondays for lunch, quiz, singing and other activities and provides transport. “There is a great atmosphere of joy and friendliness”.

St Monica Trust, the Dolphin Society and the Grateful Society jointly fund their Community Elders’ Activities Programme for community elders. This includes coffee mornings, visiting green spaces, information & advice sessions, mental health & well-being sessions, and social events to enhance social connections for lonely elders. Most of the older people they work with feel lonely and socially isolated and reported to us that the funding has enabled them to “offer community elders services that fit better with their ethnic, cultural, and religious values and preferences.”

The Harbour provides a professional psychotherapy provision to adults affected by death, dying and bereavement in Bristol and the surrounding area. The Harbour has over 30 years’ experience supporting and improving mental health, providing an accessible, affordable and inclusive therapy service. The Grateful Society provides support for the first 10 counselling sessions for the over 60s that cannot afford it.

A bi-weekly club for pensioners of Rolls Royce, Filton, alternating between
playing table tennis and a club lunch meeting.

Purpose-built in 1858, the RWA has been described as one of Britain’s most beautiful art galleries. An independent charity, RWA’s mission is to ensure it is somewhere everyone feels welcomed, valued and nourished, and that art is accessible to all, working within and beyond our building to inspire people of all backgrounds, using creativity to develop skills, enhance lives and boost wellbeing. With the financial support of The Grateful Society, the RWA runs a particular programme for dementia sufferers and their carers.

The club enables pensioners in the Patchway area to meet regularly, socialise and enjoy quizzes, various entertainments, raffles and the occasional day trips funded by the Grateful Society. Due to many of the club members being very elderly and on their own, these are the only trips they get to the coast or garden centres.