This page is intended as a guide to key services in Bristol that can support your mental health and emotional wellbeing. We have included general organisations who can provide support, as well as those that are dedicated to supporting specific equality communities and groups who may have particular needs. Please check that external websites for the most up to date information on opening times and services offered, and see WellAware for a comprehensive directory of services in Bristol and surrounding areas.
The Bristol Crisis Service: 24/7 support to people experiencing an extreme mental health or emotional crisis who need immediate help. Call 0300 555 0334
Bristol MindLine: support and information line. Wednesday to Sunday, from 8pm to midnight 0808 808 0330.
Crisis Houses:
Women’s Crisis House: (Link House) offers 24 hour supported accommodation. Self-referral via 0117 924 6459, lines open 8am to 6pm daily.
Men’s Crisis House: self-referral via 0117 934 9848.
Samaritans: call 116 123 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or email jo@samaritans.org
These services are mainly run by charities and can be accessed without a referral.
Bike Minded run by Lifecycle improves people’s wellbeing and reduces stress, anxiety, depression and other conditions through cycling. 0117 353 4583
Bipolar UK runs a helpline and free support groups in Bristol for anyone affected by bipolar. Peer support calls can be booked online.
Bristol Drugs Project offers support to anyone living with alcohol or drug problems. Anonymous support is available on 0117 987 6000 or face-to-face meetings can be arranged.
Bristol Independent Mental Health Network (BIMHN) represents people with lived experience of mental health. The service provides a space to talk about experiences of accessing services while campaigning to hold providers to account.
Bristol Hearing Voices Network provides a self-help group for anyone who hears voices or has intrusive thoughts. Call 07912 624 296 or email bristol.hearingvoices@outlook.com
Bristol Mind offers a variety of support services, including low-cost counselling and advocacy. Call 0117 980 0370 or email admin@bristolmind.org.uk. They also run Bristol MindLine, a support and information line. Wednesday to Sunday, from 8pm to midnight 0808 808 0330.
Help Counselling offers low-cost counselling to children and young adults aged 9 to 25 years. 0117 950 2511
Improving Access to Psychological Therapies is now run by VitaMinds, who provide short-term therapies for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder with self-referrals available. Call 0333 200 1893 or email BNSSG@nhs.net
Nilaari provides counselling, advocacy and support primarily to Black Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) adults and young people in Bristol. 0117 952 5742
Many Minds work with people who are managing mental ill-health by running creative workshops and putting on performances. Call 07843210272, email info@many-minds.org
Off the Record provides free and confidential mental health support to young people aged 11 to 25. 0808 808 9120
Rethink Bristol provides community support to help those living with mental ill-health, and advice on mental health issues. Call the advice line weekdays on 0300 5000 927, 9.30am to 4.30pm.
SANEline is available for support and mental health info on 0300 304 7000 every day from 4.30 to 10.30pm
Second Step provide a range of support including housing services for people with mental health needs. They run a Wellbeing College providing free courses, workshops and wellbeing activities. 0117 909 6630
Self Injury Self Help (SISH) runs a support group for anyone who self-harms currently or has done in the past. Email sishbristol@gmail.com
Social Anxiety Bristol offers a free self-help group to anyone who experiences or has experienced social anxiety.
Somerset & Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (SARSAS) supports people who have experienced sexual abuse at any point in their lives. 0117 929 9556
Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI) provides support and advice to victims of hate along with training and education. Report a hate crime on 0800 171 2272 or call 0117 942 0060 for general queries.
Bristol Mental Health offers a wide range of mental health services across the city.
Assessment and Recovery Service supports people with long term mental health problems, helping their recovery and giving advice. Referrals via a GP.
Assertive Contact and Engagement Service (ACE). Reaches out to people and groups who face complex barriers to services, including barriers due to cultural background or chaotic lifestyles. Open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 0117 239 8969, awp.bmhace@nhsnet.
Bristol Sanctuary provides a safe environment for those in serious emotional distress. Text 07709 295 661 or call 0117 954 2952 from Friday to Monday, 7pm to 2am, or email awp.bmhsanctuary@nhs.net
Improving Access to Psychological Therapies is now run by VitaMinds, who provide short-term therapies for depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder with self-referrals available. Call 0333 200 1893 or email BNSSG@nhs.net
The Crisis Service provides 24/7 support to people experiencing an extreme mental health or emotional crisis who need immediate help. Call 0300 555 0334.
The Dementia Wellbeing Service helps people with dementia live as well as possible. Referrals via a GP.
Early Intervention in Psychosis supports people aged 16-35 experiencing early signs of psychosis. Call 0117 919 2371 or speak to your GP.
The Employment Service supports those with mental health problems return to or stay in work. Call 0117 947 1189 or 0117 923 2741 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
2 Way St: emotional wellbeing peer support for the African Caribbean community. 07974 238 372
Assertive Contact Engagement (ACE): support for people with cultural or lifestyle barriers that prevent them accessing services. 0117 239 8969
BAME Elders Health and Wellbeing Consortium: Four different groups led by older BAME people - for time together, activities, and information. Email lh.dhekbhal@yahoo.com or call 0117 914 6671
Bristol & Avon Chinese Women’s Group: support for health and wellbeing; information and advice; carers’ services Helpline: 0808 802 0012
Bristol Black Carers: support carers and those they care for to access services. 0117 379 0084
Dhek Bhal: health and wellbeing for South Asian people providing advocacy services, as well as day care, sitting service and domiciliary care for older people, carers and their relatives. 0117 914 6671 or dhekbhal@yahoo.co.uk
Next Link: support and advice for victims of domestic abuse with dedicated services for BAME, Polish and South Asian people. 0117 925 0680
Nilaari: BAME-led community charity providing counselling, social care support, and advice and advocacy. 0117 952 5742
Project Zazi: mental health support for young people of BAME origin, including one-to-one and group sessions. 0808 808 9120 or hello@otrbristol.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness Bristol Black and Minority Ethnic Service: works to improve access to mental health services for BAME people. 0117 353 2041
Bristol Black Carers: support BME carers and those they care for to access services. 0117 379 0084 or admin@bristolblackcarers.org.uk
Carers Support Centre: support, information and advice for carers of any age living in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire areas. Queries 0117 939 2562 or Helpline 0117 965 2200
Dhek Bhal: daycare, sitting service and domiciliary care for South Asian older people, carers and their relatives. 0117 914 6671 or dhekbhal@yahoo.co.uk
Rethink Bristol Carer Service provides one to one, group or phone support for anyone with a friend or family member who has a mental health issue. 0117 903 1803
Better By Bike: disability inclusive sessions using a range of inclusive bikes with support from experienced instructors.
Bristol Disability Equality Forum: peer support, information and signposting for disabled people, as well as opportunities to have a voice around issues affecting those with disabilities. 0117 914 0528
WECIL: the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living is run by and for disabled people and provides information and advice. 0117 9479911 or reception@wecil.co.uk
Inspirited Minds: online resources, information and counselling, mainly for Muslim people.
JAMI: provide culturally specific mental health information and resources online for Jewish people.
Muslim Women’s Network UK: helpline and online resources for Muslim women and girls. Helpline 0800 999 5786 or 0303 999 5786
Renew Wellbeing: help churches run wellbeing cafes providing support, and list locations of existing cafes.
Sikh Your Mind: work to increase awareness of mental health in the Punjabi and Sikh communities and have online information and resources.
Bristol Multi-Faith Forum: provides faith groups with a voice and promotes conversations between different faiths, and between faith and other community groups. 07789 040 267 or info@bristolmultifaithforum.org.uk
Bristol Inter Faith Group: promotes communication between the faiths to foster positive attitudes and promote discussion and experiences. info@bifg.org.uk
Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group (BMSLG): works to develop and strengthen Muslim communities in Bristol. bmslgroup.wixsite.com/bmslgroup
Rethink Bristol Carer Service provides one to one, group or phone support for anyone with a friend or family member who has a mental health issue. Call 0117 903 1803 or see www.rethink.org/services-groups/services/bristol-carer-service
Muslims in Bristol Booklet: aims to inform a range of audiences about Muslims in Bristol and Britain, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Autism Independence: support for Somali people with autism and their families, particularly from communities where autism is not well understood. hello@autism-independence.org
Brandon Trust: enabling people with learning disabilities and autism to live the lives they choose. 0117 907 7200 or info@brandontrust.org
Bristol Autism Spectrum Service: support and advice around diagnosis and wellbeing for those with autism spectrum conditions. 01275 796204 or awp.bass@nhs.net
KHAAS: support for BME children with disabilities and additional needs, their carers and families. 0117 955 4070 or khaas_bristol@yahoo.co.uk
Safe Link: specialist workers to support people with learning disabilities who have been affected by sexual violence. 0333 323 1543 or Safe.Link@safelinksupport.co.uk
ACE One World LBGTQ+: fortnightly wellbeing group for any LGBT+ St Mungos client. 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 3 to 5pm. 1 New Street, Bristol, BS2 9DX. 0117 239 8969 or awp.bmhace@nhs.net
Bristol Friends and Families: support group run by/for families and friends of LGBT people.
Bristol Hate Crime and Discrimination Services: supports anyone who has faced abuse, assault and other criminal behaviour due to discrimination. 0800 171 2272
Crossroads: support group for transgender and questioning people, their partners and families. 07734 261242
Bristol Mind LGBTQ+ Wellbeing Therapies: counselling and art therapy for over 18s. 0117 980 0385 counselling@bristolmind.org.uk (specify LGBTQ+ in email)
EACH: helpline for people 18 and under experiencing homophobic, transphobic or biphobic harassment. 0808 1000 143
Freedom Youth: counselling and weekly groups for people aged 13 - 19 and 19 - 25 who identify as LGBTQ+. lgbtq@otrbristol.org.uk or 07496 965 262
Galop National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline: support for LGBT+ people who have experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence. 0800 999 5428
Gendered Intelligence: information and resources for trans, non-binary and questioning people and their families
Hidayah LGBT+: support for LGBT+ Muslims with a Bristol Group
LGBT+ Switchboard: 0300 330 0630
MindOut: mental health daily online chat service delivered by and for LGBTQ people
Nilaari: BAME Mental Health Support for all communities. 0117 952 5742 or nilaari@nilaari.co.uk
Outlife LGBT+: online support, advice, counselling and forums
Pink Therapy: directory of gender and sexual diversity therapy
Pride Without Borders: group for LGBT+ asylum seekers or refugees. Call Tom on 07856 672351 for details
Prism: support around alcohol and drug use for LGBT people. Drop-in Mondays 5pm to 8pm, 23 -25 Midland Road, Bristol, BS2 0JT prism@bdp.org.uk or 07971 354 498
Trans+ MindLine: support line for people who identify as trans, agender, gender fluid, non binary, and their families. Mondays and Fridays 8pm to midnight 0300 330 5468
Andy's Man Club: mental health support groups running across the UK, including a Bristol group who meet every Monday at Ashton Gate.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): support for men through a helpline and webchat service. Helpline 5pm to midnight 365 days a year 0800 58 58 58. Webchat available 5pm to midnight 365 days a year online
Changes Bristol: weekly online peer support group for men, runs on a Thursday from 6.30 to 8.30 pm.
Hope Project: short-term emotional and practical support for men aged 30-64, specifically those who are in psychological distress or have recently self-harmed. Contact hope@second-step.co.uk for more information.
Fathers Reaching Out: online and social media support group and network for dads’ mental health
Man Alive!: activities for men living in and around Filwood and Knowle. 0117 377 2255
Men’s Crisis House self-referral via 0117 934 9848
Nilaari: run workshops for men around mood, anger and masculinity.
Active Ageing Bristol: supports people aged 55 or older to become and stay active through classes and activities. Contact Karen on 0773 433 5878 or email info@activeageingbristol.co.uk
Age UK Bristol: information and advice, housing support, courses, telephone befriending and day service activities
0117 929 7537 or admin@ageukbristol.org.uk. Also run the Friends Ageing Better social community and the LinkAge Network where you can find information on activities and services
Bristol Older People’s Forum: BOPF promote social inclusion by working with those who are socially and economically excluded or disadvantaged. 0117 927 9222 or bopf@ageukbristol.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Care: support, advice and information, face to face, by telephone, email and online 0117 926 4045 or bristol@cruse.org.uk
Dementia Wellbeing Service: support those with dementia and their carers. Every GP practice has a dementia practitioner and navigator you can talk to. Speak to your GP or call 0117 904 5151, 8am to 6pm Mon to Fri
Re-Engage: run social groups and provide transport to enable people aged 75 and over to engage with their community
0800 716 543 or info@reengage.org.uk
Social Prescribing: offers a range of activities, from physical activities to arts for people with a non-clinical need. You can be referred by your GP
WE Care Home Improvements: service for homeowners and private tenants over 60 to help with everything from small repairs to home adaptation. 0300 323 0700 or info@wecr.org.uk
Association for Post-Natal Illness: email, postal or telephone support for mums with post-natal depression, and their families. info@apni.org or 0207 386 0868 10am - 2pm
Bluebell: supporting families through pregnancy-related depression and anxiety. 0117 922 0746 or info@bluebellcare.org
Cry-Sis: helpline for parents dealing with a crying or sleepless baby, 9am to 10pm every day. 08451 228 669
Fathers Reaching Out: online and social media support group for dads’ mental health
Institute for Health Visiting: factsheets and information for new parents on many aspects of parenting, including mental health
La Leche League Bristol: national helpline, local groups and 1:1 support for breastfeeding mums. 0345 120 2918
Mothers for Mothers: support, advice and information for mums with peri natal depression or distress. Call 0117 935 9366, Monday to Friday 10:00am to 9:00pm, or email support@mothersformothers.co.uk
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): supporting parents through pregnancy, birth and the early days of parenthood. Ante and post natal classes and group support. 0300 330 0700
Pandas Foundation: online and phone support for parents suffering from perinatal mental illness. Helpline 0808 196 1776, 9am - 8pm
Rockabye: group support sessions for expectant and new parents, run in 10-12 week courses. information@rockabye.org.uk
Borderlands: work with asylum seekers and refugees to tackle poverty and improve wellbeing. 0117 904 0479 or enquiries.borderlands@gmail.com
Bristol Refugee Rights: support service and social space for asylum seekers and new refugees. 0117 914 5480 or info@bristolrefugeerights.org
Refugee Women of Bristol: a multi-ethnic, multi-faith organisation that specifically targets the needs of refugee women and runs wellbeing activities. 0117 941 5867 or info@refugeewomenofbristol.org.uk
Centre for Deaf and Hard Of Hearing People: emotional and practical support for all affected by hearing loss. Call 0117 9398653 or text 07749 313085, or office@centrefordeaf.org.uk
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB): charity for blind and partially sighted people, offering practical and emotional support. 0117 953 7750
Freedom Programme: for women over 16 living with domestic violence and abuse, also a programme for girls aged 13-19. 0117 925 0680
Missing Link: provide support workers for women with mental health needs that impact their housing. Call 0117 925 1811. They also run the Women’s Crisis House (Link House), which offers 24 hour supported accommodation. Self-referral via 0117 924 6459, lines open 8am to 6pm daily
Next Link & Safe Link: a range of domestic abuse support services, with dedicated BAME workers. Helpline 8.30am to 5.30pm Mon to Fri 0333 323 1543
Nilaari: run two services for BAME women: Bluebird (16-25): a safe space for women with mental health issues. Yellowbird (25+): groups, workshops and courses for women with mental health needs. 0117 952 5742
One25: outreach and drop in service for female street sex workers. 0117 909 8832
Self Injury Support supports women and girls affected by self-injury or self-harm. Women’s helpline: Tuesday to Thursday, 7pm to 9.30pm 0808 8008 088. Text and email support (TESS) Tuesday to Thursday 7pm to 9.30pm 0780 047 2908
SARSAS: sexual violence helpline Tues, Weds, Thurs 6 to 8.30pm, Mon and Fri 11am to 2pm. 0808 801 0456
Womankind: befriending, counselling support groups and a helpline for women in Bristol. Helpline open Mon - Fri 10am to noon, Mon - Weds 1pm to 3pm and Mon & Tues 8pm to 10pm 0117 9166461 or 0345 458 2914. Webchat service available online
