We are excited to announce that we will be opening five more groups in South Bristol this January in partnership with Knowle West Health Park and BS3 Community.

Here’s the schedule:

Mondays, 1-3pm
Where: Ashton Vale Community Centre, Ashton Vale, BS3 2QY
Starting: 25th January 2021

Tuesdays 3-5pm
Where: Withywood Centre, Withywood, BS13 8QA
Starting: 19th January 2021

Wednesdays 1:30-3:30pm
Where: Redcatch Centre, Knowle, BS4 2EP
Ongoing

Wednesdays 7-9pm
Where: West Street URC, Stanley St S, Bedminster, BS3 3PG
Starting: 13th January 2021

Thursdays 1-3pm
Where: St Cuthbert’s Church, Brislington, BS4 3PG
Starting: 14th January 2021

Join us if you feel comfortable to do so (our virtual groups will continue, so don’t worry if you don’t feel ready to be in a room with others yet).

How will we keep it safe?

Masks: Please wear a mask or visor on arrival (bring your own if you can, but we will also have spares available). If you are exempt, please let the facilitator know.

Social distancing: we will be seated socially distant from one another (guidelines suggest 1m when masks are being worn, but we will aim for 2m) so the circle may be very large.

Hand sanitiser: we will provide hand sanitiser for use on entering and leaving the building.

No drinks: we won’t be able to provide tea, coffee, water etc. so please bring your own.

Ventilation: All of the venues we are using are very spacious, but we may also open windows for ventilation so please bring warm clothes.

Numbers: Government guidelines stipulate that we can hold a mutual aid meeting of up to 15 people. This will be our maximum number. The guidelines are as follows: “support groups that have to be delivered in person can continue with up to 15 participants where formally organised to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support.” If more than 15 people show up, the first to arrive will be admitted. If you are concerned about the very small chance of being turned away, please email to secure a place info@changesbristol.org.uk (we do not imagine having a large demand on first opening these groups).

Staff will be present as well as volunteers, to help keep everyone safe.

Signing in: as a COVID-secure venue, we will ask you to leave your contact details for Track and Trace (or use the QR code provided).

No symptoms: Please do not attend if you feel unwell, or if you have been asked to self-isolate for any reason.

No materials: we won’t be sharing out materials (such as the 12 Steps) and we will leave any other paperwork on chairs to avoid passing them from person-to-person.

Toilets & one-way systems: a clear system will be explained to ensure only one person uses the toilet at one time.

If you have any questions or concerns, or if there’s anything you think we haven’t thought about, get in touch with Jess at jessb@changesbristol.org.uk.