We were delighted to host volunteers from the local charity Chill Dorset at a free Wellness evening to thank them for their support of the community. Guests enjoyed a Pilates Reformer taster session and a guided meditation and breathing session, and received a wellness goody bag.

Chill Dorset is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing sea swimming courses as a form of therapy for adults with long-term mental or physical health conditions, including anxiety, depression and cancer. Trained coaches offer structured and supportive gentle courses to introduce people to the therapeutic benefits of spending time in the sea.

At Bridge Health & Wellbeing, we have supported Chill Dorset through a range of fundraising activities over the past few years.

“We were keen to support a small, local charity which is making a difference to people right here in Christchurch. Chill operates from Avon Beach, which is just minutes from our clinic.

 

It was a fabulous evening, and all the Chill volunteers seemed to really enjoy the sessions. They were such a great group, and it was wonderful to host them at the studio. A massive thank you to Erica from Evolve with Erica for sharing her time with the Chill volunteers and us.”

 

Louise O’Connell, Pilates teacher and co-founder

 

“It was a fabulous evening, and everyone who attended loved it. We are all passionate about giving up our time to help people in our local community. It was a real treat for us to come together as a team and focus on our own wellness.

 

We are incredibly grateful for the support Bridge Health & Wellbeing has given us, including helping us raise over £750 at our Charity Beach Pilates and Sea Dip event last year. We rely on donations from local companies, other charities, and organisations like Active Dorset to make a difference in the lives of local people. We are hoping to beat last year’s total at this year’s event on July 3^rd and continue to make a life-changing difference for local people.”

 

Jo Cox, experienced cold water swimmer and volunteer Coach at Chill

The 2026 fundraising Beach Pilates and Sea Dip event takes place on Friday, 3rd July, 1.30 pm – 2.30 pm, near the Beach Hut Cafe at Friars Cliff on Avon Beach. Join us to move, dip and support a great cause. Donations are encouraged in advance, or you can bring cash on the day.

See you there!