FAQs
About The Refuel
What is The Refuel?
The Refuel is here to reward and recognise the love of going for a drive, the joy of a road trip or watching the race.
It’s simple, register with us, then pick your car, the road or route you're planning on, and choose who’s riding along with you.
We’re building a movement of car lovers, drivers, co-pilots and connections to change the drive and drive the change. Focused on the importance of social connection for the heart and soul of you, those you care about and the wider landscape.
You can choose to use every mile driven as a simple way to raise funds for causes that keep people healthy and landscapes alive, from fighting loneliness to restoring the land we drive through. This isn’t a rally. It’s not a race. It’s a reason to drive that lasts longer than the road.
But you don’t have to fundraise, some Refuelling is just for the drive.
What’s the idea behind “driving for your health”?
It’s simple: connection keeps people alive. Cars just get us there. Refuel turns the drive into something more, a moment to talk, connect, decompress, and feel human. Research from the WHO shows that social connection lowers the risk of anxiety, depression, suicide, heart disease, stroke, and even dementia. Loneliness, on the other hand, is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. You take care of your car. This is about taking care of the driver and your co-pilots. Whether it’s a deep chat with your mate or a playlist-fuelled silence between friends, that time on the road is powerful. Refuel exists to make more of it happen, celebrate and reward it and to raise funds for the causes that keep it going.
Who is Refuel for?
Refuel is here for everybody who shares a love of cars and wants to savour the drive. It’s that simple. We are here to have a blast, to make every mile matter, to make sure you get to experience the laughs, tears, and thrills that make your car yours, and your life worth driving for.
What causes does Refuel support?
We’re focused on improving the social connection of our community and the benefits good social connections can bring, which is why we support work with cardiovascular health, dementia, mental health and suicide prevention.
Where does the name “Refuel” come from?
According to dictionary searches, to “Refuel” is to “supply with fuel again” … the Cambridge Dictionary says refuelling is “the action or process of putting more fuel into an aircraft, ship, etc. so that it can continue its journey:”
We believe that to see us on long, connected, meaningful journeys- a regular Refuel with those we care about will help us all to continue on.
How often does Refuel run events?
The Refuel will be hosting its own events and rewarding those driving to and with many other events. Keep an eye on the Drive section of the site to join us, or let us know what events you’d like to make your Refuel.
Taking Part
How do I sign up to take part?
Register here and set up your garage, your space to personalise and keep track of all your drives. You’ll be able to create your own unique number plate and invite your co-pilots and team mates to join you on any drive.
Taking part is simple, let us know who your co-pilots are, where you’re driving and what car you’ll be in. Just Drive.
Do I need to attend a specific event?
Nope, you can create your own event drives, turn your drive to any event or moment into a Refuel, or join us at our partner events like Le Mans 24hr or Silverstone Festival.
Can I drive any route or distance?
Yes! This is a place for you to nominate exactly that – what road, with whom and which car. The wide-open road beckons, so claim your unique number plate, invite your crew, personalise your log book and start driving your Refuel.
Can I take part by myself or with friends?
The Refuel is all about celebrating the connection cars creates, so we’re keen to encourage you to drive with the people that count. But hey, sometimes its windows down, tunes loud, single serve snacks and the road lying in front of you. If it Refuels you, it’s a Refuel.
Is there a deadline to join?
No, please register to drive whenever it suits.
Do I need to pay to enter?
No, the Refuel is wide open to all and free. We’re here to celebrate and reward your love of driving… not charge you for it.
Can I participate if I’m outside the UK?
Yes, we’re building a global movement of car lovers and drivers. Whilst fundraising will be focused on UK and US charities for 2025 we’ll be adding new partners across the world as we grow. Get in touch and let us know where you’d like us to come next.
Fundraising
How do I raise money?
Set your fundraising target, write up your motivation, why do you care about raising money for people who’ve lost loved ones to suicide, improving mental health or reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke? Personal experiences? Share them! People want to support you, you’ve probably already supported them running a marathon or growing a moustache, now its time to ask for some love back. Keep it simple, kick start your own fundraising, show people you care, get yourself from £0 to £60 and then make the ask.
We have prewritten copy for your socials and email outreach if you don’t want to draft your own lines.
Is there a fundraising minimum?
No minimum. No pressure. But every pound helps. Whether you raise £10 or £10,000, you’re backing something real. Connection, care, and culture that lasts. Set your own target and drive it your way.
What happens if I don’t raise any money?
Sometimes you just want to gather your mates and head out for a Refuel. We’re here for it. Not every Refuel is a fundraiser, and that’s OK with us.
Where do donations go?
100% of Donations for Refuel’s Le Mans 2025 Drive go to Suicide&Co, a UK based charity supporting those who’ve lost someone to suicide.
Can I choose which cause or charity to support?
No, Refuel directs the funds raised to its chosen official charity partners
How can people donate to my drive?
Send them an email, post on socials, text or WhatsApp – the link you generate via your garage will bring your donors directly to your fundraising page, from here they can donate. Alternatively, when they arrive at www.therefuel.com they can search for your fundraising logbook by looking up your name.
Can I donate without participating?
Of course! You don’t have to log miles to make a difference. Whether you’re behind the wheel or backing someone who is, every donation fuels something bigger than the drive.
Causes We Support
How does driving help people’s health?
Driving, particularly in the context of the Refuel campaign, can positively impact health by fostering social connections. Participating in group drives or attending automotive events encourages interactions among enthusiasts, leading to the formation of supportive communities. Strong social ties have been linked to numerous health benefits, including:
Reduced Risk of Mental Health Issues: Engaging with others can lower levels of anxiety and depression
Enhanced Longevity: Individuals with robust social connections have a 50% increased likelihood of survival compared to those without
Improved Cardiovascular Health: Social integration is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and stroke. By facilitating social interactions through driving activities, Refuel contributes to these health advantages, promoting overall well-being among participants.
Sources:
What kind of health causes does Refuel support?
It’s simple: connection keeps people alive. Cars just get us there. Refuel turns the drive into something more, a moment to talk, connect, decompress, and feel human. Research from the WHO shows that social connection lowers the risk of anxiety, depression, suicide, heart disease, stroke, and even dementia. Loneliness, on the other hand, is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
So, we’re supporting these causes and the work they’re undertaking to ensure less people are adversely affected by anxiety, depression, suicide, heart disease, and stroke.
Are you offsetting the carbon emissions from the drives?
Yes, twice over. We’ve committed to double offsetting the drives our community takes, one million miles of conversation sees us offsetting two million miles worth of driving.
How do you invest in environmental projects?
Our carbon compensation consists of investing in Woodland Carbon Code verified projects, through certified Carbon Units whenever possible, and Pending Issuance Units, funding UK based projects that otherwise wouldn’t get going. https://www.woodlandcarboncode.org.uk/buy-carbon/what-are-woodland-carbon-units
Can you really make a difference by driving?
Yes. Spending time in a car, with a mate, will build and reinforce your connection.
Isn’t this campaign contradictory to climate action?
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- Investing in Carbon Offset Projects: The campaign supports initiatives like the UK’s Woodland Carbon Code, which ensures credible carbon sequestration through afforestation.
- Promoting Environmental Awareness: By engaging participants in discussions about sustainability, Refuel encourages environmentally conscious behaviors beyond the campaign activities.
- Collaborating with Partners: The campaign works with organisations to advocate for broader systemic changes that facilitate sustainable transportation solutions.
- Sources:
How are you different from greenwashing campaigns?
- Refuel distinguishes itself from greenwashing by adhering to principles of transparency, accountability, and genuine environmental commitment:
- Evidence-Based Offsetting: All carbon offset projects funded by Refuel are validated under standards like the Woodland Carbon Code, ensuring measurable and verifiable carbon sequestration.
- Clear Communication: The campaign provides detailed information on how and when carbon offsets will be realized, avoiding vague or misleading claims.
- Long-Term Impact: Beyond immediate offsets, Refuel invests in projects that offer enduring environmental benefits, such as biodiversity enhancement and habitat restoration.
- By implementing these practices, Refuel ensures that its environmental contributions are substantive and credible, setting it apart from superficial greenwashing efforts.
- Sources: