Today is World Mental Health Day, a day for mental health and wellbeing awareness. At Bristol Mind, today means showing support for those suffering with their mental health and taking action. This year, our priority is to spread awareness for the support needed for refugees and asylum seekers here in Bristol.
Over 1,000 asylum seekers and refugees are currently looking for assistance in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. At Bristol Mind, we recognise the pressing need to offer support to these individuals who have often faced unimaginable challenges in their journey to safety and stability.
Our support initiatives include but are not limited to:
- Drop-in sessions: we provide sign-posting drop-in sessions, connecting individuals to other agencies for essential needs such as clothing, SIM cards, educational resources for their children, GP registration, and English language lessons.
- Counselling services: we offer confidential counseling sessions for those who self-refer, providing a safe space for individuals to seek support
- Engaging activities: we offer art and sports activities for refugees and asylum seekers living in hotels around the city, offering a sense of community and empowerment.
Find out more about refugee services here.
Watch this video from our new CEO, Emma Breech and Project Lead, Tokunbo Beyioku for more information about how Bristol Mind supports refugees and asylum seekers in the area:
World Mental Health Day 2023 from Bristol Mindline on Vimeo.
We are working hard as a service, but we cannot do it alone. Your support is essential. If you can, please consider making a donation on our JustGiving page to enable us to continue our vital work in supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol.
We are here to listen when you need someone to talk to through our Mindline service at 0117 203 4419, available Wednesday to Sunday from 7 pm to 11 pm.