2026 is the 20th anniversary since the beginning of Grippers. The Charity was founded to support young Gloucestershire adults who are recovering from severe mental illness. In particular, we provide financial help to people recovering from psychosis. This assistance helps in their transition back to normal life and a place in society. As we have virtually no overheads, almost every penny raised goes to fund a wide variety of activities, sports, courses and equipment.
The Work of the Charity
Recent examples are paying for swimming lessons, riding lessons, gym membership and the provision of refurbished bicycles. We also pay for a series of monthly day activities such as canoeing down the Wye, laser quest, aquadventure and a golf day.
We are particularly proud of Grippers activity at the allotment site on Horton Road, Gloucester. We pump-primed this project, which started with a modest programme of planting and gardening, and has now developed in additional directions such as our purchase of an outdoor table tennis table. The NHS has stepped up and added a new hut, brick BBQ and pizza oven, and it has now become an important social hub for service-users.
News
Bequest. In this major anniversary year, we are incredibly fortunate to have received a large bequest from former trustee Bjorn Parkander. Bjorn was a very effective and loyal supporter of Grippers from its foundation. His generosity will allow us to resume paying for residential courses. Before Covid, this was a highly successful annual project for a cohort of young folk in recovery. The results were quite astonishing, as it boosts morale, inspires confidence and trust and introduces skills for independence. Thank you Bjorn.
Donations
We are very grateful to those who make regular monthly donations. We avoid paying organisations such as “Just Giving” who do not provide a free service. If you would like to make a donation, then please contact us by email: info@grippers.org.uk