At Changes Bristol we believe that everyone should have access to free mental health support when they need it. Our peer support model enables volunteers with lived experience in the community to support others in the community recover and maintain good mental health. We need help to train more.
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Beneficiaries
1 in 4 people experience mental health difficulties in their life. Mental health services have been cut and people face long waiting lists to get help. A survey by the Mental Health Foundation found 74% of people have felt so stressed they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope. 51% of adults who felt stressed reported feeling depressed, and 61% reported feeling anxious. Of those stressed 16% had self-harmed, and 32% had had suicidal thoughts. There are many barriers to accessing support.
We believe that everyone should be able to access the help they need when they need it. With support from volunteers, we provide barrier free support to people experiencing mental health difficulties through 20 weekly peer support groups, in person and online and through telephone befriending and walk & talks. What makes us different: • Free • No booking required, just drop in • Non judgemental • No diagnosis or referral needed • Open ended • Inclusive • Lived experience throughout our team