This page lists the details of some campaigns that BIMHN has launched or been involved with in recent years.
Shine On is a campaign bringing together people and organisations across South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset to tackle the issue of suicide and raise awareness of the support available. BIMHN has an active part in this campaign, supporting events and promoting the activities taking place across the local area. Click here for more information.
In August 2016, it was announced the Bristol’s Crisis Line, a 24-hour telephone service that offers support and, if appropriate, immediate care pathways to those experience a mental health crisis, was to close. This was later revised to a ‘service re-design’, where the line remained open, but could only be made use of by people who have been referred to the line by professionals, or for people as part of their previously identified support.
BIMHN collected and collated feedback and public response, including via a survey that received over 4,400 signatures. This was presented and discussed at ongoing monitoring meetings with the authorities involved in the decision-making process. We also ran focus groups and public forums to gain a further understanding of the local user voice.
The telephone line was saved, and throughout 2017 was further developed to better support callers.
Press coverage and related articles
BIMHN launched a campaign to reinstate a regular bus service for Callington Road Hospital in South Bristol, which serves people with mental health problems.
Since First bus terminated the number 36 in March 2015, and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust withdrew its free bus shortly after, there has been no regular service stopping directly outside the hospital.
A number of buses stop near the site, but require users to walk along a main road and through a poorly lit wooded area, which Avon and Somerset Police has actively discouraged people to walk though in low light.
The lack of suitable transport to the site, which is a base for inpatient services, as well as the Crisis Service, Assessment and Recovery, and Complex Psychological Intervention, has affected many users, including patients, visitors and staff.
Related articles: