Bristol Bears Foundation strategy announcement

Bristol Bears Foundation has launched a bold new identity and three-year strategy that reaffirms its commitment to the city and surrounding areas by using rugby to tackle the impacts of inequality across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

The launch of Beyond The Bear marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bears Foundation, redefining how rugby can inspire healthier, more connected and more equitable communities.

Focusing on four key areas – Health and Wellbeing, Education and Skills, Access and Inclusion and Community Rugby – the strategy has been co-produced by staff, beneficiaries and local stakeholders to address some of the region’s most pressing challenges, including low levels of physical activity, poor mental wellbeing and high absence rates from school, while broadening the diversity of rugby participation.

By delivering targeted, needs-led projects in our communities, Bears Foundation will use the life-changing power of rugby to make a tangible difference to the lives of people, helping them to live healthier, providing the tools for a better future, and feel a stronger sense of belonging.

Bristol Bears Foundation CEO Jamie Skinner said: “It’s an incredibly proud moment for everyone at Bristol Bears Foundation as we launch our new three-year plan. Our plan has been co-produced by our staff, beneficiaries, stakeholders and club to reaffirm our commitment to the city and surrounding areas by using rugby to address some of the challenges our communities face. Our strategy is clear and needs-led focused on harnessing the power of the club to make meaningful impact in our community. Rugby and sport have the ability to change lives and bring people together and this new strategy will build on our foundations to reach even more people and create lasting impact.”

A short video sets out the new strategy and features an array of current Bears players, Foundation ambassadors and coaches, including British & Irish Lion and Bristolian Ellis Genge, Reneeqa Bonner, Meg Varley, Delaney Burns and Nick Fenton-Wells.

Bristol Bears CEO Tom Tainton added: “The Foundation is at the core of Bristol Bears’ strategy. Through this new collaborative plan, we are reaffirming our commitment to our community. The club’s vision has always been to inspire our community through rugby success, and it’s credit to Jamie and his team that we have grown closer than ever before in the last 12 months, delivering high impact events such as Bears Giving Back Day and Community Day at Ashton Gate. We could not be prouder of the direction the Foundation is heading and look forward to strengthening our relationship and having a positive impact on lives across our region.”

Charles Russell-Smith, Bears Foundation Chair of Trustees, added: “This strategy represents the next stage in the Foundation’s evolution and strengthens our belief in the positive impact rugby can have across Bristol and its surrounding areas. It’s a strategy shaped by the people it serves and rooted in the needs of our communities. I am immensely proud of the work the Foundation team delivers every day and of the ambition behind this new chapter. Together with the club, our partners and supporters, we will continue using rugby’s unique power to connect, inspire and change lives.”

With its renewed identity, clear direction, and unwavering commitment to the people of Greater Bristol, Beyond The Bear signals a new era for Bears Foundation – using the power of the club’s brand to continue making a real difference in the region.

Visit the new-look website here to find out more about our work.