10 Bristol-Based Charities to Support this Christmas

How Can I Help Local Charities in Bristol this Christmas?

Below, we’ve highlighted some great local charities in Bristol and South Gloucestershire that could really use your support this Christmas.

1. Tap for Bristol - Bristol City Bid

With this charity, doing good has never been easier. TAP for Bristol is aimed at aiding the homeless by facilitating quick, easy and direct donations at your convenience. You can find TAP for Bristol donation points located all over the city – in the windows of businesses and on contactless devices.

This Christmas, your generosity could make a significant impact on the lives of those without shelter. You can explore the TAP Map to find your nearest donation point, or donate online at Bristol City Centre BID.

Tap for Bristol contactless donation point Image: @bristolbid on Instagram.

2. The Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC)

Great Western Air Ambulance - known as GWAAC - is a crucial life-saving force in Bristol, offering critical rapid-response air ambulance services in the South West. It delivers patients in critical need to hospitals swiftly and provides first aid to people in remote locations before the ambulance arrives.

Work will continue this Christmas to provide immediate medical care in emergencies, and your support could be the lifeline someone desperately needs.

Find out how you can make a difference by visiting GWAAC.

Four air ambulance paramedics waking in front of a green helicopter wearing orange high-visibility jumpsuits. Image: Great Western Air Ambulance.

3. 1625 Independent People

1625 Independent People works tirelessly with young people across the South West who are homeless, leaving care, or are at risk of homelessness. This grassroots organisation does incredible work to ensure young people aged 16 to 25 have not only a safe place to live, but also the practical and emotional support to go on to thrive as independent adults.

Visit 1625 Independent People to find out how you can support the charity this Christmas.

Two young women in a kitchen smiling at the camera Image: 1625 Independent People.

4. The Grand Appeal

The Grand Appeal is the official charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital. It provides life-saving equipment, family accommodation, and much-needed support for young patients and their families.

From supporting cutting-edge treatments to funding activities that bring joy to children during their hospital stay, The Grand Appeal ensures that every child has the best possible care.

Learn more about how you can support The Grand Appeal.

Two women sitting on a bench with Wallace & Gromit statues in front of the Bristol Suspension Bridge.

5. Bristol Mind

Bristol Mind works tirelessly to promote mental health and well-being in the Bristol area. It offers confidential helplines, mental health advocacy, and educational services, ensuring that no one in the community has to face mental health challenges alone.

This Christmas, you can help support the mission to provide hope and resources for those in need. Visit Bristol Mind to find out how to contribute.

6. Marmalade Trust

Marmalade Trust is a Bristol-based charity that understands how difficult Christmas can be for someone who is struggling with loneliness.

The Marmalade Trust hosts regular lunches in the run-up to Christmas, and on the day itself, its volunteers make Christmas doorstep visits, delivering festive hampers full of gifts and bringing a bit of festive cheer to those who need that joyous spirit the most!

If you believe that no one should have to spend the festive season alone, visit Marmalade Trust to find out how you can get involved this year.

7. Bristol Animal Rescue Centre

The Bristol Animal Rescue Centre cares for and shelters abandoned animals, offering them a second chance at life and finding them the loving homes they deserve.

There are many ways in which you can support this charity this Christmas, and your contribution could make a world of difference to the animals awaiting care and shelter.

Go to Bristol Animal Rescue Centre to find out more about how you can help Bristol's furry friends.

Black and white bulldog looking at the camera. Image: Bristol Animal Rescue Centre

8. North Bristol Foodbank

North Bristol Foodbank works to combat poverty and hunger and to support anyone in crisis in the local community.

This charity seeks to make a real difference for local people struggling this Christmas. So, whether you can donate time, money or simply a few extra tins from your weekly food shop, North Bristol Foodbank will be hugely grateful for your support.

Visit North Bristol Foodbank to find out how you can make a difference this Christmas.

9. Refugee Women of Bristol

Refugee Women of Bristol is a beacon of hope for refugee and asylum-seeking women and their families in Bristol.

If you’re wondering how you can help local families in need at Christmas, your one-off or recurring donations could provide much-needed support and resources to those most in need.

Discover ways to contribute to the charity by visiting Refugee Women of Bristol.

Group of refugee women, charity workers and children smiling and waving at the camera. Image: Refugee Women of Bristol.

10. FareShare South West

FareShare South West is a special initiative that tackles both food waste and hunger by redistributing surplus food to charities and community groups that need it most. Last year, this charity provided over three million meals to those without and saved over 1,300 tonnes of food!

This year, why not join the mission to make a difference? Your support can help ensure that no one in Bristol goes hungry.

Learn more about how you can contribute by visiting FareShare South West.

Group of young people in high-visibility vests and holding containers of food in front of a delivery van. Image: Fareshare South West.

Your contributions - be it through donations, volunteering, or charity collections - will bring warmth and joy to the lives of those in need during the Christmas season in Bristol.