Breaking the ice for men’s mental health

From 1 January, 2026, a unique partnership between Dorothy House and Icebreakers, a cold-water therapy charity will be increasing men’s awareness of and access to therapeutic, nature-connection activities in communities across England.

A new partnership for men’s mental health

Through a shared ambition to produce positive mental health benefits for men, Dorothy House and Icebreakers are kicking off 2026 with a New Year’s Day group cold water immersion, breath and movement practice, sauna and wellbeing session. The ongoing partnership aims to offer fellowship and connection in order to benefit men’s experience of caring, grief and bereavement.

With IceBreaker Chapters across the UK, in Bath, Brighton, London and Bristol, the growing network will be supported by the Hospice’s specialist bereavement training, alongside light touch, open access support for any men caring for loved ones at the end of life, or any men who have experienced grief and bereavement.

“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.”
Ric Baldock, Director, IceBreakers

Members of the men’s group ‘The Ice Breakers’ meet at Warleigh Weir, near Bath for their bi-weekly cold water immersion therapy. Photographer Gareth Iwan Jones

New Year’s Day Dip
9:30-11:30
BOOK HERE: IceBreakers New Year’s Day Dip Tickets, Thu 1 Jan 2026 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
Thursday, 1st January 2026
Warleigh Weir, Ferry Ln, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BH
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Extended movement and breathwork session with IceBreaker founder, Arron Collins-Thomas (Owner of TONIQ, PT and Qigong instructor), free sauna, camp stove brekkie and, of course, the dip in the river Avon.

A society where death is part of life

“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.”
James Byron, Director of Engagement.

To learn more about Icebreakers for men’s mental health here. You can also find out more about Dorothy House’s bereavement support, click here.