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Who is Changes Bristol?
Changes Bristol is a community led charity that offers support for people suffering from poor mental health. It was established back in 2003, and since then they have formed a support network to those who need it the most in and around Bristol.
What Services Do Changes Bristol Offer?
They offer a range of services, including 18 weekly in-person and online peer support groups, a Walk and Talk service and telephone befriending for one-to-one support. The Charity also offer a mental health workshop as well as peer support training to ensure that workplaces continue to offer a safe environment to every employee.
Are the Services of Changes Bristol Free of Charge?
All Changes Bristol services are free, there is no waiting list and no need for diagnosis or GP referral. There is also no obligation to attend a certain number of groups, so people can attend as few or as many as they need. Last year the charity supported over 1,000 people in varying degrees of poor mental health. How is my Donation to Changes Bristol used? As a small charity with very little in overheads and staffing costs, any financial support offered to Changes Bristol can directly support people and communities across Bristol and the South West.
Changes Bristol FAQs
What is peer support?
Changes Bristol hold peer support groups which are run by facilitators who have lived experience of poor mental health. The groups offer a safe, inclusive, non-judgemental space without a sense of hierarchy for people to speak about their mental health. Why is peer support important? Peer support groups offer people a space to discuss their mental health which over time can give them a sense of community and a space to feel safe to discuss difficult issues. Members who have attended Changes Bristol groups over a period of time have reported improved confidence, resilience and self esteem.
Do you need to attend a group every week?
Although Changes Bristol hold 18 weekly groups, there is complete flexibility on how often or little a member may wish to attend. You could attend a few groups in one week, attend the same group on a weekly basis or only attend when you feel like you need to. There is no obligation on frequency of attendance to any of the groups.
Where are the walking groups?
Changes Bristol hold two sets of Walk and Talk services, these are held every Wednesday morning in green spaces in Bristol and every Friday morning in green spaces in South Glos.
What is telephone befriending?
Changes Bristol set up telephone befriending service for anyone who is digitally excluded, feeling isolated or vulnerable. The charity match members with volunteers based on their preferences (gender, age, race, language etc) and a one hour weekly phone call is set up between them. Many of the members find that after a 6 month period of befriending, they're ready to attend peer support groups or walk and talk sessions.
How Can I Contact Changes Bristol?
If you are looking to visit the Changes Bristol Office, you’ll find them at the following address: Changes Bristol Barton Hill Settlement 41-43 Ducie Road Lawrence Hill Bristol BS5 0AX You can call their office number on 0117 941 1123 or send them an email to info@changesbristol.org.uk with any enquiry you may have.
How Can I Make a Donation to Changes Bristol?
To make a donation, simply head over to their website, where you will be able to set up either a monthly donation, a one-off donation and even create a legacy donation or a fundraiser.