Winter is rolling in, which for most means a time of hunkering down and getting cosy, for some signifies the start of an incredibly hard and worrying time for the rough sleepers in Bristol.

This winter, we’re on a mission at Great State to warm up Bristol in time for the festive period, one jacket at a time. And you know what? You can help.

Partnering with BOSH

We’ve teamed up with BOSH (Bristol Outreach Services for the Homeless), a community service that are a central hub for rough sleepers and those vulnerably housed. And they’re in urgent need of more winter coats and jackets. Jackets are always in demand.

In fact, BOSH hands them out every night, along with other essentials like hats, gloves, shoes and trousers. Every donation makes a real, tangible difference – wrapping someone in warmth during the coldest months of the year.

The jacket drive

So, here’s the plan. We’re hosting a jacket donation drive in collaboration with Runway East Bristol Bridge, which is where you’ll find our office and the home to over 20 other local businesses.

Most of us have a jacket or two gathering dust at the back of the wardrobe. Maybe it’s last year’s style. Or maybe you simply don’t wear it enough. Why not let that jacket live its best life? Keeping someone warm instead of taking up space.

Together with Runway East, we’ll collect, quality check, and deliver every single jacket to BOSH and see firsthand how your generosity keeps Bristol’s streets a little warmer.

How you can help

• Drop off your jacket at Runway East Bristol Bridge (BS1 6AA) from the 24th November onwards. We need the jackets to be in good condition (essentially something you’d be happy to wear yourself).
• Have any questions or want to coordinate a drop off? Reach out to Joe on [email protected]

Who we are (and why we care)

We’re Great State – an independent customer experience agency delivering digital experiences for the next generation. For more than 25 years, we’ve called Bristol home. It’s the city that’s shapes us, inspired us, and kept us fuelled on caffeine and creativity in equal measure.

You’ve probably seen our work without even realising it. Take our work with Bristol Airport for example, where we took passengers on a sustainability journey by turning big green goals into stories people actually read. We’ve worked with Bristol Uni and UWE on their digital transformation programmes, and we have partnered with organisations like Babassa to make sure disadvantaged young people are given pathways into a career in tech. Giving back to this wonderful city feels right. Bristol’s given us so much over the years and we want to return the favour.

This winter let’s prove that Bristol’s warmth isn’t just a feeling – it’s something we can share. Because one jacket might not change the world, but it can change someone’s night.

About Great State

Great State is an independent, digital customer experience agency. We apply consumer insight to digital innovation challenges, to deliver exceptional customer experiences, at pace and with scale.