Bristol Befriending Week – 25th – 30th April
It has been two years since we started our telephone befriending service with the expectation of helping 20-25 people during lockdown. Since those naïve days this service has grown and grown, to date supporting 164 individuals (3322 befriending hours). Of this number, 109 members no longer require this service and are able to support their mental wellbeing independently or through attending Changes Bristol peer support groups.
Befriending is a free one-to-one service which is available to anyone who lives in Bristol, contact befriending@changesbristol.org.uk to find out more.
Join our new campaign launching from the 25th – 30th April – Bristol Befriending Week. During this time we will be celebrating friendship, community and connecting with others.
How can I join in?
Bristol Befriending Week is a campaign asking people to connect, share and take notice. Changes Bristol will be running free events throughout the week that our members are welcome to come along to. If you would like to take part in any of these free events, just email befriending@changesbristol.org.uk to show your interest. Free events running that week:
- Monday 25th – 11am – 1pm – Photography Walk
- Tuesday 26th – 6pm – 7pm – Yoga for Relaxation
- Wednesday 27th – 10am – 12.30pm – Walk and Talk (Bristol)
- Thursday 28th – 1.30 – 3.30 – Gardening Workshop
- Friday 29th – 10.45 – 11.45 – Yoga Workshop
- Friday 29th – 12pm – 5pm – Changes member social
A friendship that has meant a lot to you
We’ve been asking some of our friends to tell us their stories about a connection that has meant a lot to them. This could be a family member, friend or someone that they hardly know. You might recognise some of the faces on our video, we’ve been speaking to all sorts of Bristolians including Donna Speed, CEO of We The Curious; Prince Taylor, Trustee at the Arnolfini; Councillor Lorraine Francis, of Eastville ward; Joanna Holmes, CEO of the Wellspring Settlement and George Friend, digital creator and fashion influencer. We’re asking everyone to take a moment to think about a connection that has meant a lot to them.
Changes Bristol social event
The team at Changes will be running a social event on Friday 29th April from 12pm – 5pm at Eastville Park. This is free to attend and we will have some snacks and drinks available which have been donated by Asda Patchway but we recommend bringing your own lunch and a bottle of water. If you prefer to sit on a blanket rather than the grass, please bring one along as well as any games – we’re hoping to get a couple of teams for a rounders tournament.
We will have our Changes Bristol gazebo set up on the top field in front of the basketball court, so you should find us there.
Mental Health resources across our community
We recognise that most people would use a range of services to improve their mental wellbeing and make positive changes to their lives. We’ve added a list of charities and community groups in and around Bristol, as well as nationwide.
Mental Health support in Bristol
National resources
MIND
www.mind.org.uk
Time to Change
www.time-to-change.org.uk
Samaritans
A confidential helpline which is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
116 123
https://www.samaritans.org
MindLine
A confidential freephone helpline giving a safe place to talk if you, or someone you know, is in distress
T: 0808 808 0330
www.bristolmind.org.uk/our-services/mindline-helpline
Sane Mental Illness Helpline
Out-of-hours telephone helpline offering emotional support and information. 4.30pm – 10.30pm every day.
T: 0300 304 7000
www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline
Mindline Trans+
A confidential emotional, mental health support helpline for people who identify as Transgender, Agender, Gender Fluid and Non-binary.
T: 0300 330 5468 (Mon, Wed & Fri, 8pm – Midnight)
Calm: Campaign against living miserably
Helpline for men in the UK open from 5pm-12, 365 days a year
T: 0800 58 58 58
Local resources
Wellaware website
A website containing information on a wide range of organisations designed to improve wellbeing.
www.wellaware.org.uk
Bristol Mental Health
Range of Psychological services for Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Self referral or referral by GP
T: 0117 982 3209
http://www.bristolmentalhealth.org
Social Anxiety West
Self help groups for those suffering social anxiety
T: 0117 230 7735
Text: 0117 230 7735
Email: email@sawest.org
www.sawest.org
IMHN (Independent Mental Health Network)
T: 0117 405 5863
Email: bimhn@imhn.org
www.imhn.org
Womankind
Range of therapeutic services for women with mental health problems
www.womankindbristol.org.uk
T: 0345 458 2914 or 0117 916 6461
The Hope Project: Second Step
For men between the ages between 30 and 64.
https://www.second-step.co.uk/our-services/recovery-mental-health/hope-project/
T: 0117 4288 930
Andys Man Club
Talking groups for men who have either been through a storm, are currently going through a storm or have a storm brewing in life.
Email: info@andysmanclub.co.uk
https://andysmanclub.co.uk/
Nilaari Agency
Offers counselling to Black and Minority Ethnics for people with mental health issues. Free service.
T: 0117 952 5742
www.nilaari.co.uk
Sari
Stand against racism and inequality
T: 0017 942 0060
Email: sari@sariweb.org.uk
www.sariweb.org.uk
Off The Record
A mental health social movement by and for young people aged 11-25 living in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
T: 0808 808 9120
Email: hello@otrbristol.org.uk
www.otrbristol.org.uk
South Bristol Youth
Helping young people develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to better understand pathways to apprenticeships, higher education and high-quality employment.
T: 07940 309892 (Emily)
Email: emily.bailey@southbristolyouth.org.uk
southbristolyouth.org.uk
YoungMinds
T: 020 7089 5050
www.youngminds.org.uk
Bristol Mental Health Crisis Line
T: 0300 555 0334
Cruse Bereavement
Free bereavement counselling
T: 0117 926 4045
National website: https://www.cruse.org.uk
Rosie Crane Trust
24hr listening helpline for bereaved parents
www.rosiecranetrust.org
T: 01460 55120
Soundwell Music Therapy Trust
Offers a range of music therapy and music support groups, based in South Bristol.
T: 07938679667 or 0300 365 3400
www.soundwell.org.uk