After receiving a number of nominations, we have selected a shortlist of nine charities from which we’re asking you to choose your top three. Bath Rugby partners and Bath Rugby staff and players will also be voting for their top three, and then all the votes will be collated to determine who will be our three charities for the season.

All the nominated charities support different groups of people in a variety of ways that differ from the work of our own Bath Rugby Foundation.

Not only will we help the chosen charities raise vital funds on a matchday throughout the season, but we also aim to shine a spotlight on them, helping them build awareness of their work and hopefully spreading their message to a wider audience.

Details of the shortlisted charities are below, and to register your vote simply click this link by 13.00 on Friday 29th July. The chosen charities will then be announced in August.

Samaritans of Bath - Samaritans is always there for anyone struggling to cope. It is dedicated to ensuring that fewer people in our local area die by suicide – but you don’t have to be suicidal to use their services. The Samaritans are entirely volunteer run, and answer one call every sixty seconds. Volunteers are on the phones 24/7 and also head out to the RUH, local schools and Leyhill Open Prison to offer confidential support to vulnerable people.

The Genesis Trust - The Genesis Trust has been working to alleviate poverty and hardship for local people in Bath since 1995. They do not just support rough sleepers. They also work with many individuals who are vulnerable due to addiction, mental illness, low income and lack of family support. By providing food, advice ,counselling and opportunities for people to learn new skills we reach out to over 4,000 adults a year.

RUH Forever Friends Appeal – Cancer Centre Appeal - The Forever Friends Appeal funds projects that make a real difference to the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients cared for by the Royal United Hospitals each year as well as the friends and family who visit them. The funds help to pay for additional equipment, research and innovations, as well as finishing touches and ‘extras’ that complement the existing high quality care at the Hospitals. One in three people are affected by cancer. Every day lives are changed forever by this disease. RUH will use funds to build the best cancer centre for a district general hospital in the UK.

Wessex Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre - Wessex MS Therapy Centre provide a centre of excellence for the provision of therapies, information and practical and emotional support for people with multiple sclerosis, their carers and families. They offer physical therapies in a comfortable and friendly environment to aid symptom management, promoting and enabling independence to improve well being and quality of life. They want all members to enjoy each visit to the centre where they provide long-term, individual support.

BANES Carers Centre - The Carers’ Centre is a local charity supporting people who care for family and friends who need extra support day-to-day. This might be because they are elderly, have a physical disability or illness, a mental health problem or struggle with substance misuse. They offer counselling for carers, and also help them to live happy and healthy lives – giving them opportunities to socialise, play sports and take a break from their day to day responsibilities.

Bath Cats & Dogs Home - Bath Cats and Dogs Home is committed to the welfare of companion animals. They rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals who are unwanted and far too often mistreated or neglected. They promote good pet ownership by education sessions in the local community. Last year they took in over 1300 animals. They work with local community services such as schools and retirement homes – which benefits both the animal and person interacting with them.

Jamie’s Farm - Jamie’s Farm acts as a catalyst for change, enabling disadvantaged young people to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. We do this through a unique residential experience and rigorous follow-up programme, combining ‘family, farming and therapy'. Exclusion costs tens of thousands of pounds over a child's lifetime. Once excluded, risk of criminal activity and unemployment drastically increase. They are committed to giving children a framework of support that will allow the impact of the farm on self-esteem, relationships and behaviour to continue.

Julian House - Julian House operates more than 20 different projects, accommodation sites and social enterprises in Bath, Bristol and Wiltshire. These include: a range of homeless services, support for those suffering domestic violence, addiction recovery, individuals with learning difficulties, work experience and training. Not just changing lives – often saving lives. The charity also helps to coordinate a rough sleeper reporting helpline in B&NES, Wiltshire, Swindon, Somerset and North Somerset.

Keynsham & District Mencap Society - Keynsham & District Mencap work to improve the lives and opportunities of children and adults with a wide range of learning disabilities. They run weekly social clubs, sports clubs and projects. They organise annual holidays and weekend breaks, and arrange day trips and activities. They believe all children and adults with a Learning Disability should be able to access the same play, social and leisure activities as their peers.

Season Ticket Holders: vote for our 2016/17 local charities

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