Bristol-area groups open autumn programmes as new child-volunteer checks loom

Several Bristol-area organisations are launching autumn health and fundraising activities this month at the same time as new vetting rules take effect for volunteers who work with children.

NHS England said the national flu booking system opened on 17 August, so eligible people, including pregnant women and children, can pre-book vaccinations before doses become available on 1 September [3]. The UK Health Security Agency also published a national influenza and COVID-19 surveillance report monitoring seasonal respiratory illnesses [1].

Bristol Water said it has opened applications for the second Chew Valley Reservoir Run on 20 September 2026, with 2.5k, 5k and 10k options, £15 tickets, and all proceeds going to The Grand Appeal, the official charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital [4]. Last year the run raised £2,450 for the charity, which was founded in 1995 and has raised more than £50 million for life-saving equipment, family accommodation, research and creative therapies, and is now planning a UK-first Patient Hotel for sick children and their families [4].

The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust said nearly 40 staff have joined the stem cell donor register after a nurse shared her donation story [2].

Bristol Photo Festival is recruiting volunteers to welcome visitors, invigilate exhibitions and share the festival programme across Bristol between 14 October and 15 November 2026 [5].

From 1 September 2026, the definition of regulated activity with children is changing, 3SG said, affecting organisations whose paid staff or volunteers teach, train, instruct, care for or supervise children; the current supervision exemption is being removed, so some people who were previously not considered to be undertaking regulated activity may now be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check [6].