Channelling matchday energy, into year-round change

When the Six Nations rolls around, Bristol shifts up a gear. Pubs fill early. Screens glow behind steamed-up windows. Strangers become teammates. Walk into any BBF venue and you’ll feel it. Rugby isn’t background noise. It’s who we are. It’s how we connect.

That same spirit powers the Bristol Bears Foundation, the official charity of the Bristol Bears, who use rugby to tackle inequality and inspire healthier, stronger and more connected communities. Their current strategy, Beyond the Bear, sets that ambition down on the touch line. It recognises that sport can bridge generations, backgrounds and opportunities. Whether you are 4 or 104 years old, the Bears Foundation are stepping off the pitch and into classrooms, care homes, community centres and parks to inspire everyone through rugby. 

Backing the Bears Foundation through Brewed to Give - Team BBF’s charitable initiative - was a no-brainer. Channelling matchday energy, into year-round change with a 2% self-imposed tax on our total brewery sales? We’ve got our togs on for this kind of impact. Let’s go!

BEYOND THE BEAR

The Foundation’s work is organised around four key areas, delivered in the 20% most deprived communities in the region: 

• Health and Wellbeing programmes that support people to lead more active lives, improve mental health and reduce social isolation.
• Education and Skills initiatives that work with young people who need additional support, helping them build confidence and resilience.
• Access & Inclusion activities that ensure age, disability or circumstance are not barriers to belonging.
• Community Rugby that strengthens the grassroots game, engaging new audiences and pushing for gender parity across the sport.

As Laura Jones, their Fundraising Executive told us, “Our support is very needs-led, relationship-driven and long-term. We know that trust isn’t built in a term; it’s built over years”. That’s why their coaches deliver tailored sessions in schools that blend rugby skills with life skills. Whereas in care homes, older residents take part in inclusive activities designed to spark movement, memory and connection. Rugby becomes less about tackles and tries, and more about confidence, conversation and community.

BRIGHT SPARKS AND BEAR IN MIND

Some of the most powerful work happens in schools. Take Bright Sparks, a programme supporting young people who are at risk of permanent exclusion, anti-social behaviour, or potential involvement in the criminal justice system. Each session uses rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, discipline, as a framework for personal development. For some of the young people taking part, the rugby pitch is the first place they feel their skills are valued. That sense of achievement spills back into the classroom and they are more likely complete their educational journey. 
 
Then there’s Bear in Mind, aimed at year 7 girls navigating the often turbulent first year of secondary school. The focus is mental health, positive body image and self-belief. It creates space for conversations that might otherwise go unspoken. Laura told us that what makes it even more powerful is who delivers it, “Two of the coaches are players from Bristol Bears Women team. They aren’t just facilitators; they’re role models. These young girls see elite athletes talking openly about resilience and confidence, and something shifts. This representation can be life changing”.

BREWING A DIFFERENT KIND OF IMPACT

Just 600m up the road from Ashton Gate Stadium, the Bear’s home grounds, a different but deeply aligned story has been unfolding. In May 2023, Bristol Beer Factory launched Brewed to Give, our charitable giving initiative, which raises up communities by donating 2% of our total brewery sales to local charities. 

Post-pandemic, the cracks in our city were clearly visible. Rising living costs. Increased isolation. Reduced public services. Communities were feeling the strain. They still are. We knew that waiting for someone else to find the solution was good enough. So, we introduced a 2% self-imposed tax which meant that we could fairly, honestly and transparently give back to our city. Since then, Brewed to Give has raised more than £673k for local charities and good causes like the Bears Foundation. By donating beer for their Big Bears Quiz at the HPC, they were able to raise £6,246 to help tackle the impacts of inequality by inspiring healthier, stronger, and more connected communities. And they have more events coming up! 

Both Bristol Beer Factory and the Bears Foundation recognise that Bristol’s strength lies in its people. Our community is our responsibility. And what better way to support your community than to grab a pint – a Black Gates or your favourite brew - and back your city. Simple. Local. Impactful.

Every beer you buy gives back. 

Want find out more about the Bears Foundation work or to support them directly – get tickets to their Sports Gala Dinner on 21st May 2026: https://www.bristolbearsrugby.com/news/2026-bristol-sport-gala-dinner