Changes Bristol is a mental health charity that began in 2003 when people with lived experience came together to form a support network for those suffering mental distress. We have developed as an organisation through the experience of our members, developing our services to meet the needs of communities throughout Bristol and the surrounding area through our peer support model.
Due to COVID19, our services have changed but they remain free to access, with no referral or formal diagnosis required from a health professional (e.g. GP). Where we used to run 12 peer support meetings every week all over the greater Bristol area, we now provide our support groups online and have set up a completely new Peer Befriending Service.
As of early 2021 we began re-opening our physical face-to-face groups. We also run specialised meetings for Women of Colour, LGBTQ+, a Men’s Group and a Women’s Group. All groups are open-ended so that people can access them for as long as they would like.
We understand that no-one should have to face feelings of stress, anxiety or depression alone.
That’s why Changes Bristol provide peer support groups in Bristol and online for anyone aged 18 or over, offering a safe and friendly space for people to share any worries they might have. Our groups are free to access, confidential, with no referral needed and no diagnosis required. We also now offer one-to-one phone befriending for new and existing members.
As well as this support, we offer a large number of volunteering opportunities and workplace training in mental health awareness.
