Mental Health Support Services in Bristol | Mental Health Awareness Week
Posted on: 09 May 2022Find out where to go and how to reach out if you're struggling with your mental wellbeing.
This week (Monday 9 - Sunday 15 May) marks the UK's Mental Health Awareness Week, an initiative dedicated to opening up conversations and tackling stigma around mental health issues.
This year, in response to the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic, there's a focus on approaching issues of loneliness among people of all ages, and acknowledging various long-term effects of isolation.
Coming off the back of an incredibly difficult two years, it's no surprise that a growing number of people in the UK are experiencing mental health issues or struggling with their mental wellbeing.
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.
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 the pandemic, OTR are once again running a wide range of drop-in sessions and activities 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.
This Mental Health Awareness Week we're on a mission to let everyone living in loneliness know that their mental health matters.
— Mental Health Foundation (@mentalhealth) May 9, 2022
Let's tackle loneliness together. Say #IveBeenThere#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek pic.twitter.com/8gUN9hAdej
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.
Alternatively, we welcome anyone to get in touch with us directly via email to access any further information or contact details for any of the organisations listed above.
Article by:
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.
