We understand that people belonging to specific groups experience particular challenges, and they may need particular safe spaces to explore their mental health with others who may have similar life experiences.

For this reason, Changes Bristol operates several closed support groups that are reserved for people from particular communities. These include our Women’s Group, Women of Colour Group, LGBTQIA+ Group and Men’s Group. Though we understand that no two people are the same, by providing these spaces, our members are able to speak openly with more common understanding. We also recognise that many people are not able to get support from their family or peers for many different reasons and are left to navigate their identity or mental health by themselves.

Each of our groups are overseen by facilitators who identify as part of that community, who help to create a setting where everyone is able to speak freely about their experiences, their mental health and their wellbeing. These groups are also supervised or supported by a member of staff who also identifies with that specific group.

They operate under the same ground rules as all of our other groups, and are subject to the same guiding principles and safeguarding measures to ensure that everyone remains safe.

Members of the closed groups are of course welcome to attend general groups as well.

We have opened these groups by request of members and volunteers. Anyone who identifies as part of the community the safe space group serves is welcome to attend. Find out more about why we have our safe space groups here and read our full diversity statement here.

If you would like to join any of our Online Peer Support groups, please click here to complete our membership form to get sent weekly links to our groups.

All of our services operate in a strict confidential manor, meaning your identity and anything you share will not be discussed outside of the group, unless there is significant concerns about your safety (or someone else’s) and then they will contact our team.

Unfortunately, we still live in a world which is far from equal and where there is still so much stigma around mental health. Racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia along with many other types of hate crime are very real and sadly have serious impacts on many people. We believe that there is no place for hate crimes of any kind and are committed to making a change and a safer world for everyone.

In time, we hope to be able to create more specific groups to support our members even further.

Click on the name of the group you would like to learn more about below

How can I volunteer?

If you’d like to be a volunteer with Changes Bristol, there are various services you can support.

If you would like to help facilitate any of our Peer support groups, including any of our Safe Space groups, please email service@changesbristol.org.uk

You can also support us as a Telephone Befriender in our Befriending Service or volunteer for our Walk and Talk Service. You can email befriending@changesbristol.org.uk for more information.

Charity details

Registered Charity Number
1167828
Registered Company Number
08914724

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