Sunrise Project – Student Engagement

What is the Sunrise Project?

Our initiative is focused on creating lasting change by empowering students and young people to lead meaningful mental health conversations within their own communities. We exist to challenge stigma, increase early support, and ensure that no young person feels they have to struggle alone.

University Courses

Over the past year, we have delivered two training cohorts at the University of the West of England (UWE), equipping students with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to actively support the mental wellbeing of their peers.

Participants complete a structured training programme designed to prepare them as volunteer facilitators of peer support groups. This goes beyond awareness—developing practical, real-world skills in:

  • Active listening
  • Group facilitation
  • Boundary setting
  • Recognising and signposting to further support

We don’t stop at training. Participants are supported to launch and sustain their own peer-led groups, creating accessible, stigma-free spaces where students can speak openly and feel understood.

We have currently delivered 2 training cohorts, started to establish student-led peer support groups within UWE and we have taken on a growing network of trained student facilitators.

Work with Schools

Alongside our university work, we are invited into local schools to introduce younger students to mental health and wellbeing—helping them build understanding, empathy, and confidence to talk openly from an early age.

We have delivered sessions with Year 8 students at:

  • Winterbourne Academy
  • Mangotsfield School

These sessions create safe, engaging spaces for discussion and reflection—often sparking meaningful conversations that extend beyond the classroom. £1,800 has since been raised by students through independent fundraising initiatives.

This has also led to increased awareness and engagement with mental health at an early stage and students taking active ownership in supporting mental health causes.

COMING SOON – Changes on Campus – A Student Mental Health Podcast

We’re excited to be launching Changes on Campus: The Student Mental Health Podcast . A new student-led podcast exploring the different stages of university life through a mental health lens. From starting university and building friendships to managing academic pressures, wellbeing, and life after graduation, we’ll be creating honest conversations about the realities of student life.

We’re currently looking for students and recent graduates who would be interested in joining us as podcast guests. No previous experience is needed! Just a willingness to share your experiences and perspectives. If you’d like to get involved or find out more, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with the team via social media or email alexserjeant@changesbristol.org.uk for more information.

Registered address

Changes Bristol
Barton Hill Settlement
41-43 Ducie Road
Lawrence Hill
Bristol
BS5 0AX

Charity details

Registered Charity Number
1167828

Registered Company Number
08914724

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