Mental health support services in Bristol

Mental health support services in Bristol

Posted on: 22 Dec 2020

Find out how and where to reach out if you're struggling this winter.

 

We're nearing the end of an incredibly difficult year, and although an end seems to be in sight with the development and gradual rollout of a vaccine, the impact of the coronavirus crisis will be felt by millions of people across the UK and around the world for years to come.

 

Every single one of us has been affected in some way or another, either through losing loved ones, losing jobs, being unable to safeguard struggling businesses or being forced to isolate and miss out on vital contact with friends and family.

 

The latest findings of an ongoing survey carried out by the Mental Health Foundation showed that almost half (45%) of participants had felt anxious or worried in the past two weeks, with roughly one in five reporting feelings of loneliness and fear.

 

The same survey has found that roughly ten percent of participants had experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings at some point this year.

 

Read on for a quick rundown of mental health support services currently operating in Bristol, and reach out to someone if you need help.

Mental Health Support Services in Bristol.

Bristol Mind

 

Based in Old Market, the Bristol branch of national charity Mind run a wide range of support services for people in the city, including an emotional support helpline, a free counselling service for individuals shielding during the pandemic and phone and email appointments.

 

Their website is also full of advice on managing stress, navigating the impact of the coronavirus crisis and tips on maintaining personal wellbeing.

 

Second Step

 

Bristol-based charity Second Step have been providing mental health services for people across the South West for over 30 years.

 

Their mission is to promote health and wellbeing by offering extensive support for people in the community, working alongside the NHS and local authorities to tailor their services to each individual and their recovery.

 

In response to the pandemic, Second Step have been collating like-minded organisations and useful information for people suffering with mental health issues - find out more here.

 

The NHS

 

The NHS offer a range of free-to-access therapies, carried out by fully trained and accredited practitioners, to help with health problems like stress, anxiety and depression.

 

A GP can refer your to the appropriate NHS services, or you can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) - we recommend making an appointment with your GP to discuss your options if you feel comfortable doing so.

 

Find more information and search for IAPT services here.

 

Samaritans

 

Samaritans have produced a handy information resource for people struggling as a result of the coronavirus crisis, featuring tips on how best to take care of your own mental health, a guide to coping with grief, advice for those working from home and more.

 

You can also call Samaritans around the clock, for free, on 116 123 - find out more and get in touch here.

 

Off The Record

 

Dedicated entirely to promoting better health for people aged between 11 and 25, Off The Record are a Bristol-based organisation run for young people, by young people. 

 

Their website is full of useful information for people feeling angry, lonely or anxious, struggling with the impact of the pandemic, struggling with body image or having trouble with relationships. 

 

With their regularly-scheduled Hubs currently unable to run due to the coronavirus crisis, OTR have set up weekly Zoom sessions for young people to chat with mentors and access support.

 

Thrive Bristol

 

Bristol City Council's dedicated mental health service is available to people of all ages and aims to improve the mental wellbeing of everyone in Bristol, with a focus on those that need it most.

 

From further-reaching plans to improve the city's mental health collectively to interventions and other tailored services for people experiencing mental illness, Thrive is open year-round and can be adapted to suit individual needs.

 

Find out more or get in touch with the team here.

 

Changes Bristol

 

Changes run weekly meetings across Bristol to provide support for adults suffering from mental distress.

 

The sessions are there to provide encouragement from a group of people who might share your experiences or understand you situation, support at a time when your self-belief and ability to cope may be low, and guidance from trained staff who can help you recover.

 

Head to the Changes website to find out more or get in touch with the team. 

 

 

A number of support services have also been set up for members of the hospitality industry, offering help and advice to those who may have lost jobs or had their businesses affected by the crisis this year.

 

The Licensed Trade Charity offer support for people within the sector, giving advice on everything from financial issues to housing, mental wellbeing and employment support, through a 24/7 helpline, online messaging with trained advisors.

 

A range of services are also available through Hospitality Action, an organisation set up to help people cope with the full range of issues currently facing the industry right now, from feelings of anxiety and uncertainty to addiction, rent and mortgate payments, managing anger and more.

 

Similar services are available through The Drinks Trust, a community organisation dedicated to providing care and support to the people across the UK that form the drinks industry workforce.

 

Anyone in need of support can contact the team on 0800 915 4610, with the helpline open and taking calls 24/7.

 

For more information on any of the above charities, or to get in touch with a support service, please don't hesitate to visit the appropriate websites through the links provided.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.