Organisations

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.

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.

The Bristol Ensemble aim to share the gift of music with all communities. Performances range from major orchestral works to small scale chamber music. They are also known for collaborations with other art forms, including media work with Aardman Animations.

This year is the 30th anniversary of the Bristol Ensemble’s very first rehearsals (then known as the Emerald Players). To celebrate we are working on various projects to help us diversify our offering and bring the joy of music to more people. This initiative to reach and benefit older people is one such project.

This club is aimed at women from all backgrounds over the age of 50+. The club aims to benefit wellbeing, enrich life and reduce the risk of loneliness through a variety of activities and groups including board games, physical activity and cooking.

NMC supports people living with dementia and their carers living in and around Nailsea and the northern area of North Somerset through the provision of physical, mental, social activities that help improve their wellbeing. In addition, their carers attend a support group at the same time to share their common experiences. A regular attendee said “It is very frustrating having dementia, but activities here supported by The Grateful Society help. They light our inner candle a bit brighter for a bit longer. Thank you.”

MiH aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people through the healing power of live music. The Charity’s professional musicians share bespoke live music with people in health and care settings across the UK who might not otherwise get to experience it. This includes people living with dementia, mental health problems and serious illnesses. The Grateful Society is helping the Charity realise it’s vision for live music to be an integral and accessible part of health and care for everyone.

The Mercy Group supports those with low mood, anxiety, isolation, addiction, low self-esteem, family issues, mental or physical trauma, ongoing or terminal illness, bereavement and all life-affecting issues. Post pandemic the group is concentrating on those who are isolated, particularly the elderly, and provides monthly lunches and afternoon teas as well as visiting at home and staying in regular touch by telephone.

This Bristol based charity is dedicated to raising awareness of and combatting loneliness. It brings companionship and joy to those who would otherwise spend Christmas day alone. The Grateful Society funds the hosting of free lunches for lonely individuals on Christmas day throughout Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire supported by a network of friendly volunteers. One diner commented “It means everything to know someone cares. Without the Marmalade Trust, I wouldn’t have spoken to or seen anyone over Christmas. I am so grateful”