Mental health support services in Bristol | Suicide Prevention Day 2021

Mental health support services in Bristol | Suicide Prevention Day 2021

Posted on: 10 Sep 2021

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

 

Today (Friday 10 September) marks World Suicide Prevention Day, a date dedicated to raising awareness of suicide and bringing people together to create a world where it affects fewer people. 

 

In 2019 alone, there were 5,961 registered deaths by suicide in England and Wales, equating to an average of 18 people per day. Suicide is the single biggest killer of males under the age of 45 nationwide.

 

Coming off the back of an incredibly difficult 18 months, it's no surprise that a growing number of people in the UK are coming forward with mental health issues.

 

There is, however, still a lingering stigma around mental health that prevents people from sharing their experiences.

 

Read on for a quick rundown of support services currently operating in Bristol, and try to reach out if you or someone you know needs 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 weekly Outreach Drop-in service and phone and email appointments.

 

Their website is also full of advice on managing stress and navigating the impact of the pandemic, as well as 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 information from like-minded organisations for people suffering with mental health issues - find out more here.

 

Suicide Prevention Bristol

 

Suicide Prevention Bristol is a recognised local service that aims to support anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts through telephone, online and community outreach.

 

SPB's team of volunteers walk paths through several areas of Bristol at night, keeping an eye out for people who are feeling suicidal, are generally unwell, or may be struggling with their mental health.

 

Founded just three years ago, the organisation has won awards for its work and has established itself as a vital last line of support in showing people that help is out there in some of the most difficult times of their lives.

 

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 you 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 and advice for those working from home.

 

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. 

 

Having been running weekly Zoom sessions for young people during lockdowns and Tier restrictions, OTR are once again running a wide range of drop-in sessios and activites to offer their 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 pandemic.

 

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 and 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 charities listed above, or to get in touch with a support service, please don't hesitate to visit the appropriate websites through the links provided.

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.