Circular Climbing Collective – Peer Support Through Climbing

Circular Climbing Collective was founded by two friends who bonded over mental health conversations while climbing. Since 2023, volunteer facilitators have run weekly peer-support sessions at climbing centres in Bristol, creating inclusive, non-judgmental spaces for people struggling with mental illness, addiction, grief, loneliness, unemployment, and other challenges.

According to Bristol's 2024/25 Quality of Life Survey, 1 in 5 people report poor mental wellbeing, yet wait times for community mental health services are among the longest in the UK.

"Entry to climbing centres costs up to £15 in Bristol, which isn't feasible for everyone," the collective explained.

"Since introducing funded free entries in March 2025, we've had 15 new participants who couldn't otherwise afford to attend. This grant will expand our 'Climb Free with CCC' campaign and train new volunteer facilitators to ensure sustainability."

The funding will support free entry places, insurance for outdoor trips, and volunteer training.

Other winners

Power of Scotland Roller Derby

Power of Scotland Roller Derby is Scotland's national team, competing at the world cup level. The sport is one of the few fully inclusive team sports for adults with no institutional discrimination based on sex, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, heritage, age, disability or religion.

BTND Crossfit

BTND (Better The Next Day) is an inclusive fitness community and non-profit organization founded by Hyrox champion Jake Williamson that focuses on functional fitness, Hyrox training, and creating safe spaces—particularly for the LGBTQ+ community.

Kilkenny Mystics

Kilkenny Mystics is a volleyball club with a powerful mission: to provide an outlet for isolated people in the community. The club has grown significantly, now boasting 40 active members from a broader group of 50, with a notably transitional membership – many members work on short-term contracts but maintain strong connections to the club.ll

Newcastle Panthers

Newcastle Panthers FC is the North East of England’s only LGBTQIA+ inclusive football club, welcoming players of all abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.

AG Boxing

A G Boxing provides boxercise and fitness classes for women in Derbyshire's DE21 ward – ranked 2nd for multiple deprivation and 1st for health inequalities. Founded by ex-boxer Autumn Goodwin, the club creates a safe, supportive community for women who face barriers to participation: caring responsibilities, time constraints, cost, and lack of confidence.

Pontypridd Roadents Running Club

Pontypridd Roadents serves the South Wales valleys – traditional mining areas that have become deprived following industrial decline. The club provides running for all levels, with a particular focus on safety for women runners following recent high-profile attacks on women training outdoors.

From rugby to gymnastics, skating and judo, everyone can apply

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