Join us for Peerfest 2017!
August 3, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Taking place this year on October 9th 2017, Peerfest is a national annual event celebrating the importance, power and diversity of peer support. It’s a welcoming, inclusive and inspirational event bringing peers together to network, share skills and experiences through workshops, creative activities, debate and The Marsh Awards.
We are thrilled to be working alongside Mind and the National Planning Team to deliver Peerfest 2017. This one day event will be a mix of creative workshops, open spaces, friendly stalls and rousing debates.
Alongside lead partner Bristol Independent Mental Health Network (BIMHN), the team this year includes: Bristol Survivors Network, Changes Bristol, Freedom of Mind C.I.C and WellBeans Initiative C.I.C.
Representation & Accountability Officer for BIMHN, Tom Renhard, said:
“We are really excited to have the opportunity to bring Peerfest to Bristol this year. Given it is now in its fifth year, there will be a lot to live up to and we are looking forward to making this one the best one yet!
“It is also an interesting time for the city, with peer support playing an increasingly important role in communities. We hope that Peerfest 2017 will aid the development of that discussion through a host of interactive and creative activities, whilst not shying away from the key debates and challenges facing peer support.”
Ticket Information
Day time tickets to the event will be free (and in very high demand). Our evening entertainment tickets will be a suggested donation of £5 per person.
The first wave of tickets will go on general sale on Thursdays 3rd August at 5 pm. Please check our dedicated eventbrite page to book a ticket.
Want to volunteer or run an activity / stall at Peerfest 2017?
We have many opportunities to participate in what is set to be a spectacular event. If you would like to do this then please follow the links below to express an interest:
I would like to join the lived experience reference group:
Role Description: Peerfest Lived Experience Reference Group Role Description FINAL
Terms of Reference: Peerfest 2017 – Lived Experience Reference Group v2
Meeting dates of reference group:
Tuesday 15th August, 6 – 8 pm
Tuesday 12th September, 6 – 8 pm
If you would like any further information, then please get in touch with Tom on
We look forward to seeing you at Peerfest 2017!
August 3, 2017 at 2:00 pm | News | No comment
Mental health services Christmas opening times
December 2, 2016 at 7:37 pm
In partnership with Bristol Anti-Stigma Alliance (BASA), Bristol Mental Health and Bristol CCG, BIMHN have been involved in the co-production of a guide to Christmas opening times of mental health services in Bristol.
We recognise that the Christmas period can be especially difficult for some, and we hope this guide will be of help.
We will be distributing hard copies of the guide with partners at Cabot Circus on Saturday 3rd December, between 10 am and 4 pm.
You can find the digital version of the guide here.
December 2, 2016 at 7:37 pm | News | No comment
Our response to latest Crisis Line Statement
August 27, 2016 at 9:23 pm
We are disappointed by the recent statement released by Bristol Mental Health and Bristol CCG, which now states that the public crisis line will be closed.
This is a u-turn on Bristol Mental Health’s previous statement which said that the telephone service will not be cut, but “redesigned”.
Their latest communication says that a 24 hour telephone line service will continue to be available, however this is only for people who have been referred to the line by professionals, or for people as “part of their identified support”.
Whilst we acknowledge that it is good to hear there will still be a line for some, we have real concerns about what support there will be for those where access to the crisis line is not “part of their identified support”; for those that don’t access mental health services; and for those from transient parts of the population, such as university students that may have a crisis.
It is imperative that there is access to a 24 hour crisis line for all that need it in Bristol. It is also vital that additional alternatives are identified to provide people not in crisis with emotional support where it is required to help prevent any further deterioration in their wellbeing.
We feel that communication from Bristol Mental Health and Bristol CCG has been unclear, and we are concerned about the anxiety that it is causing people. We urge both organisations to give a clear stance on their decision and respond to our calls for a public meeting, taking into consideration the large number of concerns that have arisen as part of our campaign.
We are meeting with both organisations on Friday 9th September, and will post a further update shortly after then.
The latest statement from Bristol Mental Health can be found here.
Want to support our campaign? Click here to sign the petition.
August 27, 2016 at 9:23 pm | News | No comment
U-turn is made over crisis line – but there’s still a long way to go
August 23, 2016 at 8:07 am
BIMHN says that monitoring any decisions around the crisis line is paramount, after Bristol Mental Health announces a u-turn over the closure of the phone service.
We welcome the news that Bristol Mental Health (BMH) has made a u-turn over its decision to close its crisis line.
BMH’s announcement is in response to our recent article, which highlighted our concerns about the potential closure, and the public’s reaction to the proposal.
The service will now not be cut, but it will be “redesigned”, Bristol Mental Health has said.
We will be monitoring the situation very carefully and challenging any future proposals that are not in the interests of people currently accessing mental health services, or that may access them in the future.
Openness and transparency is paramount in these discussions at all times.
We will be meeting with BMH and Bristol CCG on 9th September to discuss the crisis line further, and will also announce a date for an open meeting to get wider views in due course.
We would like to thank everyone who has responded to our campaign so far, and highlighted the detrimental impact that the closure would have.
Bristol Mental Health said in their most recent statement:
Recently, an online petition has been started to campaign against the closure of Bristol Mental Health’s (BMH) crisis line. BMH and Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) would like to address the concerns raised in this petition.
The purpose of the Crisis Line is to respond to those experiencing a mental health crisis and to their carers. It is crucial that those requiring this service are able to get through and speak to someone when they need to. During the review of the service it was identified that approximately 66% of calls were actually seeking information or general advice; meanwhile others who needed to talk to a mental health professional urgently were unable to get through. It is for this reason that the decision has been made to change the way this service is managed.
As part of this, we will identify options that give more appropriate responses to those ringing the line. This will include where to ring if you need general advice, if you need to know about your forthcoming appointment time, or if you are a professional needing advice. It will ensure that those in mental health crisis will be responded to more quickly than is often the case at present.
The decision to redesign this service is one which has been reached with input from service users and staff from Bristol Mental Health, as well as commissioners from Bristol CCG. It should be noted that this is not a service cut, but a service redesign.
This decision was made as part of a wider review that will improve the balance between planned and unplanned interventions within local mental health services. Both BMH and Bristol CCG are working closely with service users and carers to ensure they identify other resources to best meet the needs of those who access the line.
BMH remain committed to work alongside the CCG with service users and carers to achieve the best mental health and wellbeing for the people of Bristol.
If anyone wants to let BIMHN know their experiences of the crisis line in the meantime, please contact Tom on . To support our campaign, please sign our petition: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-our-crisis-line-in-bristol!
If you are in need of help and support, please visit our signposting page for relevant information.
August 23, 2016 at 8:07 am | News | No comment
Bristol’s crisis line set to close
August 18, 2016 at 5:35 pm
Bristol Mental Health’s (BMH) crisis line is set to close at the end of November, it has been announced.
Bristol Independent Mental Health Network (BIMHN) are deeply concerned over the proposals, and are in close contact with both BMH and the Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) regarding the news.
BMH’s reason for the proposed closure, which is to take effect from 30th November 2016, is that the majority of calls being made to the service were by those “requiring advice and support rather than specialist intervention – the intended purpose of the line”.
This calls into question whether enough is being done by service providers to ensure people know how to reach the right mental health support and treatment, including access to preventative services.
We feel that there needs to be more improved signposting, with clear and easily accessible information available for people wanting to use mental health services and seek support.
We want to ensure that any changes to the crisis line are in the best interests of those currently accessing services, and those that may access Bristol’s mental health services in the the future.
We have received mixed feedback from users of the crisis line about how helpful it has been. However, it is absolutely vital that there is an easily accessible and supportive service in place for those in times of crisis.
BMH wrote in their statement:
“Bristol Mental Health (BMH) is making some changes to its crisis line to ensure that people in crisis receive the support they need. An extensive review of the service was carried out in the early part of 2016, with participation from service users, staff and commissioners.
“The review found that the majority of calls made to the line were better answered elsewhere, or made by those requiring advice and support rather than specialist intervention – the intended purpose of the crisis line.
“Therefore a decision was made by BMH (the provider of the crisis line), Bristol CCG and service users to close the crisis line, effective 30th November 2016, and to identify other resources.
“This decision was made as part of a wider review that will improve the balance between planned and unplanned interventions within local mental health services.
“Both BMH and Bristol CCG are working closely with service users and carers to ensure they identify other resources to best meet the needs of those who access the line.
“Further information will be provided about this over the coming months. As ever, BMH will work to achieve the best mental health and wellbeing for the people of Bristol.
“For more information about the closure of the line please contact or 0117 919 5782/5606.”
Have you accessed or attempted to access the crisis line? We would like to hear about your experiences. Get in touch by emailing BIMHN Secretary, Tom Renhard at . Any comments will be anonymised.
BIMHN members will also be holding a meeting to further discuss the proposed closure of the crisis line, and our next steps.
August 18, 2016 at 5:35 pm | News | No comment
Freedom of Mind teams up with Off the Record for mental health conference
August 12, 2016 at 10:40 am
Off The Record and Freedom of Mind Festival are collaborating to bring you a mental health conference like no other…
On World Mental Health Day (October 10th), Off the Record and Freedom of Mind Festival are bringing young people and professionals together for a day of talks and workshops about improving youth mental health.
This will be a conference with a twist, which will include performances, top professionals delivering workshops, young people leading discussions, and interesting opportunities to network.
The event aims to:
- Initiate conversation around mental health, and examine how we talk about this topic,
- Educate on how we can look after our own mental health and that of other people,
- Influence change that will benefit young people and mental health services in the City of Bristol, maybe and even the south west!
This all-day conference will explore young people’s emotional wellbeing and discuss the factors that cause an impact.
Bringing together young people who use mental health services and those who provide them, the event will be solution-focused with productive conversations about what needs to happen. This is a chance for young people to make their voices heard, and for professionals to ask questions and report on what is already being done.
By the end of this conference you will have:
- Gained tools for challenging mental health stigma;
- Learned strategies to look after your own mental health and that of others;
- Spoken about the work that is already happening in the city to support youth mental health;
- Had conversations with service influencers, young people and professionals about how we move forward;
- Met other mental health campaigning groups and networks.
This event is set to be a great vehicle for change, and organisers are urging you to be a part of it.
To book ticket, click here. To join the Facebook event, click here.
*PLEASE NOTE* These tickets are for professionals, not young people. Earlybird tickets are £40 and are limited so book soon to avoid disappointment.
A special offer is available for groups of young people. Please contact for more information.
August 12, 2016 at 10:40 am | News | No comment
Survey on housing and employment
November 16, 2015 at 12:35 pm
Bristol residents with autism are being reminded to fill out an important survey on housing and employment in the city.
The National Autistic Society (NAS) is wanting to find out why so many people with autism in Bristol struggle to find and keep a job or a home.
The charity also wants to know about how your job or home makes you feel and whether you’re happy in it. There are some multiple choice questions and some that have space to write out longer answers.
NAS says the results gathered from the survey, will help shape the campaigning they do in Bristol.
The survey should take about 15-25 minutes to complete and is available via the below link:
SURVEY LINK: www.surveymonkey.com
Alternatively, residents can fill out the downloadable form, and return to henry.barnes@nas.org.u, or if you prefer, you can print the document and return it to the address below:
FAO Henry Barnes, National Autistic Society, Church House, Church Road, Filton, BS34 7BD.
A crib sheet is also attached to help you fill in the survey.
All responses to the survey will be kept anonymous and you don’t have to answer every question. Filling out this survey won’t affect any benefits you receive or support you receive.
Deadline to complete the survey is 23rd November, 2015.
November 16, 2015 at 12:35 pm | News | No comment
Join a Time to Talk Day planning meeting in Bristol
November 6, 2015 at 11:22 pm
Time to Change Bristol will be holding a planning meeting for Time to Talk Day on November 10 and would love for you to join them. Training and ongoing support will be available for those wishing to become involved.
Travel expenses of up to £15 will be reimbursed if you keep receipts.
" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">l.andrews@time-to-change.November 6, 2015 at 11:22 pm | News | No comment