https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/2025-a-year-of-impact 2025- A Year of Impact <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Anchor Grants Change Lives </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> Thanks to the generosity of Anchor donors, the past year has brought meaningful support, connection and security to older people across our communities. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 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. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 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. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 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. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 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. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 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: </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> “I’m having a warm bath tonight for the first time in four years.” </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span>  “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.” </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span>  “I still can’t quite believe it happened — it felt like the most unexpected birthday present. It’s given me dignity and independence again." </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> 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. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Thank you </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:13:47 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/2025-a-year-of-impact Featured thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/appeal-newsletter-2025 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Our latest news and updates from the Society during 2025 </span> </h3> <h3> <br/> </h3> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/3d80c676/dms3rep/multi/CAB+Excercise.jpg"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> To download the newsletter click here: <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:06:54 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/appeal-newsletter-2025 News thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/2025-president-s-appeal-launched <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> 2025 President's Appeal </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Our 2025 Annual Appeal is now live! </span> </h3> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Donate now –  </span> <a href="/donation-form"> click here. </a> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> President Sonia Mills says it has been an impactful year for the society with our focus on: </span> </p> <ul> <li> <span> <span> Reducing isolation and social exclusion thereby increasing well being. </span> </span> </li> <li> <span> Supporting people to age well and address age-related decline </span> </li> <li> <span> Promoting financial planning and employability support </span> </li> </ul> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Read more by downloading the newsletter </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Mon, 03 Nov 2025 11:55:11 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/2025-president-s-appeal-launched News thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/organisational-grants-programme-now-open <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <strong> Anchor Organisational Grants – Now Open for Applications </strong> </p> <h3> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the </span> </span> <strong> Anchor Society’s Organisational Grants </strong> <span> <span> . These grants support charities, community groups and voluntary sector organisations working to improve the lives of </span> </span> <strong> older people (aged 55 and over) </strong> <span> <span> across </span> </span> <strong> Bristol, Bath &amp; North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire </strong> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Whether you’re delivering frontline services, developing a new community initiative, or expanding an existing programme, we’re keen to hear from organisations that share our commitment to tackling disadvantage and social isolation among older people. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <strong> Grants of up to £5,000 </strong> <span> <span> are available for work that supports wellbeing, dignity, independence and community connection. We welcome applications from both small and larger organisations, including those working with under-represented or marginalised groups. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <strong> What We Are Interested in Supporting </strong> </p> <p> <span> We support a wide range of work, including (but not limited to): </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> ●      Community activities that reduce loneliness and build connections </span> </p> <p> <span> ●      Targeted support for older people experiencing poverty or poor health </span> </p> <p> <span> ●      Projects reaching older people in under-served communities, for example LGBTQIA+ or carers </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> ●      Programmes providing financial planning and employability </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> ●      Services offering emotional or mental health support </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <strong> How to Apply </strong> </p> <p> <span> <span> Visit our </span> </span> <a href="https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/organisational-grants" target="_blank"> Organisational Grants </a> <span> <span> page to read the guidance and complete the application form. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> If you’d like to have a conversation before applying or aren’t sure if your work is eligible, we’re happy to talk. Please get in touch via </span> </span> <a href="mailto:admin@anchorsociety.org.uk" target="_blank"> admin@anchorsociety.org.uk </a> <span> <span> </span> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:47:03 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/organisational-grants-programme-now-open News thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/we-have-moved-office <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Anchor Moves from Alma Vale Rd </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> The Anchor Society has now moved from 29 Alma Vale Rd. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Our new address is: </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Unit 1, Eco Studios,  </span> </p> <p> <span> Clanage Road, </span> </p> <p> <span> Bristol </span> </p> <p> <span> BS3 2JX  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Contact us via phone or email: </span> </p> <p> <span> Email:  </span> <a href="mailto:admin@anchorsociety.co.uk" target="_blank"> admin@anchorsociety.org.uk </a> </p> <p> <span> Phone:  </span> <a href="tel:0117 973 4161" target="_blank"> 0117 973 4161 </a> </p> <p> <br/> </p> </div> Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:17:22 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/we-have-moved-office Featured thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/christmas-2024-office-closure-hours <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> End of Year Office Hours 2024 </span> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> The Anchor Society Office will be closed from the 20th December until the 6th January 2025. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> We wish you a peaceful Christmas and happy New Year. </span> </p> </div> Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:04:15 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/christmas-2024-office-closure-hours thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/appeal-newslettter-2024 4 ladies look at a phone <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Our latest news and updates from the Society during 2024 </span> </h3> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/3d80c676/dms3rep/multi/IMG_0802.webp"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> <span> To download the newsletter click here. </span> </span> </p> </div> Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:25:45 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/appeal-newslettter-2024 News thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/president-ros-kennedy-expresses-gratitude-for-the-service-of-trustee-bob-durie-obe <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Thank you Bob! </span> </h3> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/3d80c676/dms3rep/multi/20241114_223056.jpg" alt=""/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> At our annual President's Appeal dinner on 14 November 2024, President Ros Kennedy led tributes to Bob Durie OBE who recently stepped down as a Trustee of the Anchor Society. </span> </p> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Ros thanked Bob for his valuable contribution to the Society over the last </span> <strong>  60 years </strong> <span> . Since 1965, Bob has served as a Member, Honorary Secretary, President, CEO and Trustee of the Anchor Society. He was instrumental in various projects for the Anchor Society such as creating affordable social housing for older people and setting up many projects directly addressing loneliness and social inclusion. The Anchor Society is in Bob's DNA - he's followed in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and uncles, all of whom were past Anchor Presidents. </span> </p> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> Bob was presented with an engraved Bristol Blue bowl, and Ros spoke for all of us when she told him,  <br/> <br/>   </span> <span> "There is no doubt that you have made a huge difference both to the Society and the people of Bristol. Your legacy is that Anchor is a successful, vibrant and important part of the philanthropic community for the people of Bristol." </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Thank you Bob. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Thu, 21 Nov 2024 13:41:17 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/president-ros-kennedy-expresses-gratitude-for-the-service-of-trustee-bob-durie-obe News thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/anchor-jobs <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Grant and Administration Officer - Part Time </span> </h3> <h3> <br/> </h3> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Following the retirement of our colleague Catherine Watts, we’re recruiting into the new role of Grant and Administration Officer. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> This is a part time role working 10 h0urs a week, in our small team processing Emergency Grants and carrying out regular administrative tasks. You’ll oversee a portfolio of live grants and applications in progress responding to enquiries and undertaking due diligence. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> For a full Job Description please download </span> </span> <a href="https://irp.cdn-website.com/3d80c676/files/uploaded/Grant_and_Administration_Officer_JD_.pdf" target="_blank"> here </a> <span> <span> </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> About The Anchor Society </span> </p> <p> <span> The Anchor Society is a community-focused charity dedicated to supporting older generations in need. We partner with local agencies to provide essential resources, support programs and opportunities that foster self-sufficiency and resilience for our communities in their later years. Our work is rooted in compassion, collaboration and a commitment to supporting older people to live independently and with dignity. The Anchor Society was founded in 1769 to help the poor and elderly in Bristol and over 250 years later, its mission remains largely the same.  </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Equity, Diversity and Inclusion </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> At The Anchor Society we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We aim to build an inclusive culture that encourages and supports diverse voices. </span> </span> </p> <p> <span>   </span> </p> <p> <span> We are committed to taking an inclusive approach to recruitment and selection. Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made to accommodate additional requirements. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any specific adjustments needed to enable participation in the recruitment process. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> For an informal conversation about this role please email </span> </span> <a href="mailto:admin@anchorsociety.org.uk"> admin@anchorsociety.org.uk </a> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> Please apply with CV and cover letter explaining how you meet the criteria of this role to </span> </span> <a href="mailto:admin@anchorsociety.org.uk"> admin@anchorsociety.org.uk </a> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <strong> Application Deadline: Monday 9th December 2024, 12 midday </strong> </p> <p> <strong> Interviews to be held: Monday 16th December 2024 </strong> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> </div> Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:21:52 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/anchor-jobs thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/2024-appeal-launched <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Our 2024 Annual Appeal is now live! </span> </h3> <h3> <br/> </h3> <p> <span> <span> Donate now – </span> </span> <a href="https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/21240#!/DonationDetails" target="_blank"> click here </a> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> <span> President Ros Kennedy says there is growing demand for our emergency grants and explains how we partner with other charities and organisations to help support older people. Read more </span> </span> <a href="https://irp.cdn-website.com/3d80c676/files/uploaded/TheAnchorSociety.AppealNews_A5_2024_online_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank"> here </a> <span> . </span> </p> <h3> <br/> </h3> </div> Mon, 28 Oct 2024 15:24:16 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/2024-appeal-launched thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/partnering-for-impact-our-support-for-community-ticket-club <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> At the Anchor Society, we believe in the power of collaboration to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older people. One of the ways we achieve this is by providing grants to other organisations that share our mission to support the elderly in Bristol, Bath &amp; North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> We also proudly partner with the Bristol Old People Funders Alliance (BOPFA), a group of grant funders who collaborate to better address the pressing needs of the elderly in Bristol. This collaborative approach amplifies our impact and ensures that our funding reaches those who need it most. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <h4> <span> The Community Ticket Club. </span> </h4> <p> <span> Launched by St George's in October 2022, this initiative promotes the well-being of older people by providing them with free access to weekly classical music concerts. These performances, featuring some of the UK's most talented young musicians, offer a powerful and uplifting experience. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Our grant of £5,000 has enabled the Community Ticket Club to offer over 500 free concert tickets, reaching 260 older individuals, some of whom have enjoyed multiple performances. For many, this represents their first introduction to classical music, and the impact has been profound. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Beyond just the joy of music, the Community Ticket Club fosters a sense of community and belonging. It provides a safe and welcoming space for older people to reconnect with social and cultural activities, particularly for those experiencing challenges in their lives or health. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> The feedback from participants is heartwarming: </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <ul> <li> <span> "It's not just music, it's the being together... the feeling of community." </span> </li> <li> <span> "I enjoy travelling to a concert, going on my own, and not feeling that fear of going on my own." </span> </li> </ul> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> These testimonials demonstrate the power of the arts to bring people together and combat loneliness and isolation. We are proud to support the Community Ticket Club and to play a role in enriching the lives of older people in our community. </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> Through our strategic partnerships and grant-making efforts, the Anchor Society continues to work tirelessly to ensure that older people have the resources and support they need to live fulfilling and independent lives. Together, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society for everyone. <br/> </span> </p> </div> Thu, 22 Aug 2024 10:18:14 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/partnering-for-impact-our-support-for-community-ticket-club News thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/greenway-hub-for-older-people-working-in-partnership-to-extend-our-reach <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> The Greenway Centre, a community-led charity located in Southmead, one of England's most deprived areas, stands as a testament to the power of community action. This vibrant hub offers a diverse array of services and activities designed to support the well-being and independence of older adults. From one-to-one support to engaging group activities, the Centre strives to keep older residents active, connected, and fulfilled. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> The bustling café, a meeting point for locals and visitors alike, embodies the Centre's role as a vibrant community heart. The extensive range of programs offered at the Centre is made possible through the generous support of charitable donations. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> The Anchor Society, in collaboration with BOPFA (Bristol Old People Funders Alliance), have committed to a three-year grant program, ensuring the Greenway Centre can continue its invaluable work in combating isolation and fostering meaningful connections among older residents. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> A recent visit to the Centre left the Anchor team deeply impressed by the dedication and impact of its staff and volunteers. Charlie Ferdinando, Head of Wellbeing &amp; Communities, shared his vision for the future: "I truly believe that as we work in a holistic and integrated way, we’ll continue to see great outcomes for residents." </span> </p> <p> <span> <span>  </span> </span> </p> <p> <span> The Greenway Centre's success story underscores the importance of partnerships in extending our reach and making a real difference in the lives of older people. By working together, we can build stronger, more supportive communities where everyone can thrive. <br/> </span> </p> </div> Thu, 22 Aug 2024 09:56:48 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/greenway-hub-for-older-people-working-in-partnership-to-extend-our-reach News,Featured thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/anchor-society-latest-newsletter-2023-4 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Anchor Society Latest newsletter 2023-4 </span> </h3> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/3d80c676/dms3rep/multi/Anchor-Newsletter-No7-WEB-1-1.jpg" alt="The Anchor Society Bristol | A group of women are standing next to each other on a page of a magazine titled appeal news."/> </div> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:15:05 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/anchor-society-latest-newsletter-2023-4 News thumbnail main image https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/anchor-latest-newsletter-2022-23 <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Anchor Society Latest newsletter 2022-3 </span> </h3> </div> <div> <img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/3d80c676/dms3rep/multi/newsletter-2022-1.jpg" alt="The Anchor Society Bristol | An appeal news magazine with a picture of people sitting at a table"/> </div> Tue, 17 Jan 2023 17:19:47 GMT https://www.anchorsociety.org.uk/anchor-latest-newsletter-2022-23 News thumbnail main image