Rugby / Bristol Bears Community Foundation

Bristol Bears Foundation to support veterans through new initiative

By Phil Wenn  Monday Jun 1, 2026

Bristol Bears Foundation has been awarded a £30,000 grant by the Veterans’ Foundation for a new programme supporting the Armed Forces community.

The funding, which will run over the next three years until April 2029, will see the delivery of two weekly walking rugby sessions in south Bristol for veterans in the local community as part of the charity’s access and inclusion provision.

Vets Rugby Hub will provide veterans with opportunities to stay active, improve wellbeing, build social connections and be part of a supportive environment.

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The Veterans’ Foundation is a grant-giving charity, set up in 2016 to raise funds and give grants to charitable organisations that support serving and former members of the armed forces and their dependants who are in need.

Ollie Morton, head of projects and development at Bristol Bears Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Veterans’ Foundation for their support of this exciting new programme.

“The Vets Rugby Hub will provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where veterans can come together, stay active and build meaningful social connections through rugby.

“This funding allows us to make a long-term commitment to supporting veterans and continue to use the power of rugby to positively impact lives across our communities.”

Jane Gurney, CEO of the Veterans’ Foundation, added: “We’re delighted to support Bristol Bears Foundation and their new Vets Rugby Hub programme.

“Initiatives like this play such an important role in helping veterans feel connected, valued and supported within their communities.

“The power of sport to improve wellbeing and bring people together is truly remarkable, and we’re so proud to help create opportunities for veterans to build friendships, stay active and enjoy the sense of belonging rugby can provide.”

Main photo: Bristol Bears Foundation

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