Anchor Grants Change Lives
Thanks to the generosity of Anchor donors, the past year has brought meaningful support, connection and security to older people across our communities.
During 2025, Anchor awarded over £225,000 in grants, reaching more than 6,000 older people through a wide range of community organisations, advice services and emergency support. Together, these grants helped people stay socially connected, age well and receive practical help at times of real need.
Organisations such as Bristol Beacon, ACTA Community Theatre, Goldies Charity and the Avon Indian Community Association delivered social clubs, creative sessions, music groups and performance activities that offered far more than entertainment — they created friendship, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Support for Arnos Vale, Life Cycle and Redcatch Community Garden enabled volunteering, nature-based activity and dementia-friendly creative sessions that promote wellbeing and confidence.
Funding for Bristol Advice Centres such as St Paul’s, North Bristol and South Bristol and Age UK Bristol, ensured older people could access financial guidance, welfare benefits advice and practical support during periods of uncertainty or change.
Anchor’s emergency grants programme continued to provide a vital safety net for older people facing sudden hardship. More than 100 households received targeted support with essential items such as heating repairs, beds, washing machines and home-safety equipment. The impact of this support was immediate and deeply personal:
“I’m having a warm bath tonight for the first time in four years.”
“I could never have afforded this. Having hot water and heating again is a big deal — it’s helped my physical and mental health more than I can say.”
“I still can’t quite believe it happened — it felt like the most unexpected birthday present. It’s given me dignity and independence again."
None of this would have been possible without our donors. The generosity of our donors continues to help older people feel safer, warmer, more connected and more supported — especially at the moments when it matters most.
Thank you
