The Coronavirus emergency is having a big impact on people’s mental health so charities like ours are needed more than ever. Changes Bristol has adapted quickly to provide phone and online services to meet the needs of our community. Help us to continue this vital work.
What we’re doing
- We are running online support groups offering confidential spaces and a sense of community to anyone in need of connection.
- We are providing vital 121 phone support to our vulnerable members, giving them the essential support they need right now.
- We are setting up phone befriending service for people who would like a weekly wellbeing check in from one of our friendly trained peer support volunteers to ease feelings of isolation and loneliness.
I have been attending my local Changes group for nearly a year. I find the meetings supportive, validating and a much needed pressure valve for stress and depression.
Connecting with Changes online is helping me to keep some normality in my weekly schedule.
Today somebody said that they could feel a lot of empathy pouring out of their screen. That is how I feel. I still have a community. (Hazel – Member)
The problem
Due to COVID-19, our fundraising events have been cancelled and our corporate sponsors are unable to provide funds; which means that we’ve had a dramatic dip in income.
Wondering how you can help?
We need your help to get through this. We’re adapting by moving our fundraising activities online. If you head over to our social media channels, you can see what we’re up to and how you can get stuck in. Or think creatively and organise your own fundraiser!
In the meantime, we are asking you to make a donation to support vulnerable people coping with mental challenges during this difficult time, and for years to come.
What impact will your donation make?
£10 will pay for someone to receive their weekly call from a trained Befriender, checking in on their wellbeing and easing feelings of isolation.
£40 will pay for someone to attend a weekly Online Support Meeting for a whole month, giving them with a safe space to talk about their concerns and meet others who can relate.
£100 will pay for 15 people to join an Online Support Group providing them with a sense of community and encouragement to make positive changes to their lives.
£150 will pay for a volunteer to be trained as a Peer Support Facilitator to empower others look after their mental wellbeing.
So please head to www.justgiving.com/campaign/ChangesBristol and donate what you can.