Come along to our new peer support groups

We have two new peer support groups opening in November!

Where: Horfield Baptist Church, 279 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NY
When: Weekly every Tuesday from 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Starting: 9th November

Where: St John’s Church, Lodge Causeway, Bristol BS16 3QG – near Fishponds Road
When: Weekly every Wednesday from 7:00PM – 9:00PM
Starting: 17th November

Our peer support groups are free, available to anyone over the age of 18 and you don’t need a diagnosis or GP referral to join. All of our groups are open-access (you can attend as many or as few as you wish) and you don’t need to book in advance to join in-person groups, just turn up! If you could arrive 5-10 minutes early, this should give you time to grab a hot drink before the group starts.

Join us if you feel comfortable to do so (our virtual groups will continue, so don’t worry if you don’t feel ready to be in a room with others yet).

If you have any questions or concerns, or if there’s anything you think we haven’t thought about, get in touch with the team at service@changesbristol.org

Josh’s Story

It has been all too easy over the past 18 months to feel isolated, with our daily lives disrupted beyond recognition. Favourite haunts and hang out spots closed, with only walks in the park or driving to eye tests to get us out the house. Everyone has suffered, but what about the people to whom safe spaces are essential? LGBTQ+ communities typically rely on these spaces to maintain community interaction, meet like-minded people, and relax, away from the sometimes unfriendly realities of everyday life in the ‘normal’ world. Let’s take a closer look at how this lockdown might have had a disproportionate impact on certain communities.

Social and sexual health and wellbeing are closely related to overall health and quality of life. A paper by Nicola Döring (2020) asks the question ‘How is the Covid-19 pandemic affecting our sexualities?’ and raises some interesting points. Most people have reported dating less and having less casual sex – not a surprise given the circumstances. However, this can have a more profound affect within queer communities, where traditional relationship structures are less likely to be encountered.

“If your lifestyle of choice is dating multiple partners, or having casual interactions on the weekends, you’re in trouble.”

Perhaps even parallels can be drawn between lockdown and HIV/AIDS narratives: the fear, the ‘shut down’, and the conflicting natural human desire for closeness. In 1984 bath houses and sex clubs started shutting down through fear of transmitting an unknown, infectious, and potentially deadly disease. Although there are many differences between the HIV epidemic and coronavirus pandemic, some of the results have been the same – isolation from communities, stigma, and closure of safe spaces. Having these issues crop up again is unpleasantly reminiscent of the way HIV/AIDS impacted on the way of life for those at risk.

Although in the early 20’s there is now increasing visibility of non-heterosexual people, it has been frustrating to quite literally be made invisible once again. Indeed, minority groups in general and poorer people are the ones who have taken the biggest hit. Lack of outdoor space, small living areas, and jobs that can’t be done from home (and as such, dangerous) have all negatively affected quality of life for such demographics during lockdown. The benefits of online interaction have been heavily pushed, and rightly so, by a multitude of organisations and individuals. However, if, like me, the thought of a group video call gives you ‘the fear’, or simply makes you want to throw your laptop out the window, online options can make you feel even more isolated.

Personally, there are two things that have helped me feel healthier through connection and reflection. They were volunteering and engaging with mental health services. I have avoided any form of help with mental health for years despite huge amounts of anxiety, on-and-off depression, a dodgy relationship with alcohol, and some pretty whack intrusive thoughts. On paper it seems silly, but I thought I was beyond help due to my psychology degree ‘spoiling the mystery’ of psychological assistance. That, and fear of judgement. Still, I was lucky enough to have access to some free counselling with occupation health work, and when I finally made myself engage I cannot overstate the benefit it has had on my state of mind. If you are unsure of getting help, or have had a bad experience with mental health services, I would urge you to give it another try but perhaps in another format – I dislike services that feel too clinical – some simple counselling helped me work through things without feeling too ‘diagnosed’.

“The peer support paradigm that Changes practise was also a brilliant way for me to access support without a power dynamic, real or just perceived.”

If you have the time and the means, volunteering for a cause close to you is a great way to increase your social circle and support network. Of course everyone has different needs – what has been working for me may not for you. Still, I hope my experience may help aid reflection on some options for better wellbeing. Let me note that I recognise the benefits that clinical psychology and medication can bring, it is just my preference to engage with alternative support systems. 

With the delayed ‘freedom day’ (19th July) approaching and uncertainty still looming large, many people (myself included) remain in hope of dedicated queer spaces opening back up, and a return to face-to-face, natural interaction with our communities. There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. Let us use the opportunity of the final few weeks of lockdown to reflect on how we have been affected by the pandemic, whether we have experienced deep hurt, vast growth, loneliness, or well-needed solitude. Let us reintegrate into our communities with kindness and acceptance, and turn our vision forwards as to how we can heal and build up what we have missed even better than before.

Changes run a weekly an online LGBTQ+ peer support group every Tuesday from running 6.30-8.30 Tuesday evenings, please come along. Please find the days and times for all Changes Bristol peer support groups here.

Have you struggled with isolation, particularly from the queer community during the past 18 months? What coping mechanisms have you found?

NB for sake of brevity ‘queer’ has been used inclusively in this article to reference the LGBTQIA+ community

Joshua L

Archives of Sexual Behavior (2020) 49:2765–2778 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01790-z COMMENTARY How Is the COVID‑19 Pandemic Afecting Our Sexualities? An Overview of the Current Media Narratives and Research Hypotheses Nicola Döring1 Received: 30 May 2020 / Revised: 26 June 2020 / Accepted: 30 June 2020 / Published online: 5 August 2020 © The Author(s) 2020

https://www.avert.org/professionals/history-hiv-aids/overview

Can you sew and want to help us to make a quilt?

Our amazing volunteer Debbie has agreed to create a quilt which will help with Changes Bristol’s fundraising needs. She is asking for help in making the patchwork blocks which will be made into a quilt, created by the community of Changes supporters. We will offer the finished quilt in the Changes Quilt Raffle in October to raise vital funds to help support people in mental health distress.

How to make a quilt square

Fabric requirements:

• Background cotton fabric (any colour, won’t be seen) 9 inch square
• Strips of cotton fabric in your chosen colour. Width between 1.5 and 2.5 inches. (Longest length needed is 13 inches)
• 3 inch squares for corners (cut on diagonal)

Instructions:

1. On your 9 x 9 inch background block, lay the first colour strip right side up, diagonally corner to corner. (pin or use small amount of fabric glue to hold in place).
2. Take next strip and lay right side down on top of centre strip, matching raw edge and sew along that raw edge (using a ¼ inch seam allowance if possible) – ensure the strip covers the background fabric
3. Open out the strip of fabric and use an iron to press flat
4. Add next strip right side down, matching raw edge and sew along diagonal. Open out and iron flat.
5. Continue adding strips of fabric on both sides until you get near corners. At each stage ensure the new strip will cover the background fabric.
6. For the corners cut a 3 inch square on the diagonal. Sew this piece as above (place right side down and match raw edge).
7. Once the background fabric is covered, iron well and turn over. Cut the excess using the background fabric as a guide.
8. If you feel confident cut the square to 8.5 x 8.5 inches (cut from all 4 edges to ensure the first strip stays in centre of block). The blocks can be trimmed when quilt is assembled so don’t worry if you don’t feel confident to do final trim.
9. Take a photo of your finished block(s) so you can identify them in the final quilt!

When you’ve made your block(s) please send to: Changes Bristol, Barton Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Lawrence Hill, Bristol, BS5 0AX

We have added a video below to show the instructions. If you have any questions do contact Debbie:

Debbie@PatchworkLady.com
www.instagram.com/PatchworkLady_

If you have any questions, or have another crafty fundraising idea to help Changes Bristol that you’ll like to share with us, please get in touch with us via email – fundraise@changesbristol.org

Fancy winning the quilt?

If you fancy your chance at winning this beautiful quilt, then simply make a donation (£5 per name draw – you can donate more for multiple draws and a higher chance of winning) at our Justgiving page and you will be entered in to a draw to win the quilt!

New Peer Support Group in St. Pauls

We are excited to announce that we will be opening a NEW IN-PERSON weekly peer support group in St. Pauls starting from the 12th March. Group details:

When: Every Friday from 3pm – 5pm

Where: Unitarian Hall, Brunswick Square St Paul’s, Bristol BS2 8PE

Join us if you feel comfortable to do so (our virtual groups will continue, so don’t worry if you don’t feel ready to be in a room with others yet).

If you have any questions or concerns, or if there’s anything you think we haven’t thought about, get in touch with Jess at jess@changesbristol.org.

We are excited to announce that we will be opening five more groups in South Bristol this January in partnership with Knowle West Health Park and BS3 Community.

Here’s the schedule:

Mondays, 1-3pm
Where: Ashton Vale Community Centre, Ashton Vale, BS3 2QY
Starting: 25th January 2021

Tuesdays 3-5pm
Where: Withywood Centre, Withywood, BS13 8QA
Starting: 19th January 2021

Wednesdays 1:30-3:30pm
Where: Redcatch Centre, Knowle, BS4 2EP
Ongoing

Wednesdays 7-9pm
Where: West Street URC, Stanley St S, Bedminster, BS3 3PG
Starting: 13th January 2021

Thursdays 1-3pm
Where: St Cuthbert’s Church, Brislington, BS4 3PG
Starting: 14th January 2021

Join us if you feel comfortable to do so (our virtual groups will continue, so don’t worry if you don’t feel ready to be in a room with others yet).

If you have any questions or concerns, or if there’s anything you think we haven’t thought about, get in touch with Jess at jessb@changesbristol.org.

For those of our members who feel a physical group is important for their mental health, our Knowle group is opening up again in the middle of November, in line with government guidelines.

When: Wednesdays 1:30PM-3:30PM
Where: Redcatch Community Centre, Knowle
Starting: 18th November

Join us if you feel comfortable to do so (our virtual groups will continue, so don’t worry if you don’t feel ready to be in a room with others yet).

We plan to open more groups depending on the success and viability of this first one.

If you have any questions or concerns, or if there’s anything you think we haven’t thought about, get in touch with Tara on tara@changesbristol.org.

[Article by Evelyn James]

Dealing with a Changing World: Looking After Your Mental Health

When the Coronavirus crisis kicked off earlier this year, most people were panicking about the overall danger to physical health. But as 2020 wears on, more and more experts are becoming concerned about the long-term mental health repercussions. The World Health Organization has
been carefully monitoring the effects of prolonged stress, anxiety, grief and even the stigma that comes with contracting the virus. As we all grapple with ways to move on in a post-COVID world, however, there are always practical ways we can support our own mental health, day by day.

Set healthy limits and boundaries

We all know the importance of creating a physical barrier between us and the virus, and have been diligently washing our hands, keeping distance, and wearing face masks. But it’s also worth moderating your psychological risk by controlling your exposure to virus-related media and putting a limit on news and information that is distressing or even inaccurate. Seek out neutral, evidence- based data and draw a line in the sand if you feel that the constant media overwhelm is taking its toll on your mental wellbeing.

Reassess your risks and priorities

Though lockdown measures are being drastically relaxed, the elderly and those who are shielding are still in quarantine. “Normal” life is still a long way off for those with chronic illness or in elder care, and their stress may even increase as others come out of lockdown. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources to help with the emotional difficulty, and it’s worth reaching out for help if you feel overwhelmed by the ongoing situation. You may need to regularly appraise your daily routine, and update your risk assessment as you go.

There are so many more challenges for the elderly and vulnerable, and those that care for them, whether it’s at home or in a care facility. Helping Hands Home Care is one of the UK caring industry’s leaders, and they understand how important it is to balance mental health needs with the need to shield from risk. They suggest meeting up occasionally with members from your “social bubble” to do gentle outdoor exercise, have a coffee morning or host a book club – all while observing social distancing rules, that is.

Express your feelings and share your concerns

In what may in time be called a pandemic of poor mental health, many people today are experiencing feelings of grief, hopelessness, anger, isolation and deep anxiety. Some of us have additional challenges, and the virus has undoubtedly been hard on hose with pre-existing mental
health conditions, those who contracted the virus or lost family members to it, the elderly and the chronically ill.

But acknowledging and trying to accept your feelings can bring some relief, as can sharing your experience openly and honestly with someone you trust, such as a family member, friend or even counsellor. Meditating, writing feelings in a journal or expressing yourself through creativity are all ways to process this difficult time.

Focus on what you can control

When so much is up in the air, it’s difficult to feel empowered and hopeful about the future. Particularly if you’re still shielding at home, you may be feeling frustrated, isolated or anxious. It can be difficult to feel motivated to do daily tasks when so much uncertainty hovers around daily life.
However, we are always able to proactively work to take care of our mental wellbeing, day by day. That may mean taking time to exercise to boost your mood and stay fit and strong, or that may mean taking enough time to rest. Try to fill your day with healthy meals, good quality sleep, positive self-talk, engagement with other people and plenty of the activities that you enjoy. The pandemic is a big part of everyone’s life at the moment, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be set aside for a while to indulge in some self-care and rest.

To say that the world is changing rapidly around us is an understatement. As people of all kinds all across the world try to manage the fallout, it’s worth remembering to have some self-compassion and acknowledge the enormity of the era we find ourselves in. Whether you’re a student, health worker, elderly grandparent or schoolchild, it can be comforting to know that we are, as the old cliché goes, in it together. With healthy limits and a commitment to prioritising our mental and physical health, we can all help ourselves (and one another!) through this difficult time.

Masks for Good is a new initiative set up by Changes Bristol’s skilled sewing volunteers who are usually providing a clothing alteration and repair service at Mend for Good events in corporate offices.

With all events currently on hold, our talented volunteers have been busy making the latest must-have accessory for this season and they are the definition of style.

So why not make a donation to support mental health services in Bristol, and order a beautifully crafted face mask!

Optimum design

• In-built wiring so you can shape it to fit nicely over your nose – which not only improves the efficiency of the mask but also stops your glasses from fogging up.
• Two layers with a sleeve to add in your own replaceable filter.
• These masks are washable (and the fabrics have already been washed at 60′ to avoid any shrinking).
• We’ve carefully selected a design which fits snug to your face and is comfortable to wear throughout the day.

Tailored to fit you

You can choose from the following 3 sizes:

• Large (would fit most men)
• Medium (would fit most women and teenagers)
• Small (would fit most children aged 6 -12 years)

Choose your style

You can choose from patterned or plain fabric. We have a huge variety of beautiful fabrics donated – we won’t be able to specify exactly which fabric you will receive but if you have a strong preference over colour please do let us know.

Elastic or Ties

Choose your preference:

• Elastic loops to go around your ear (which makes the masks easier to put on/take off)
• Cotton ties which you can tie around the back of your head (which help the mask fit more snug to your face).

Offering these options allows you to ensure you get the very best from your mask in fit, comfort and can go about your errands in style!

How to order your mask

To reduce postage and packaging waste we are taking a minimum of 2 masks per order.

1. Fill in our order form here
2. Make your donation on our Masks For Good JustGiving Page (please include your name and tick to share your contact details with Masks for Good so we can match your donation to your order)

Your donation for your masks will directly fund our mental health support groups and befriending service, helping people to make positive changes to their life and mental wellbeing. 

Our Volunteer Leanna has been busy at work, asking people from in and around Bristol, to donate crochet granny squares to be made into a blanket, that will be raffled off to raise funds for our Emergency Appeal.

Thanks to the generosity of crafters, we have now received over 100 squares, which Leanna is starting to stitch together.

If you would like to win the beautiful, collaborative blanket, simply make a donation (amount of your choice) to Leanna’s Just Giving page (link below) and you will be entered into a draw to win the blanket!

The winner will be drawn on 13th July, and contacted via email, so please ensure you have allowed Crochet for Changes to see your details (on the payment page you will be asked to tick a box to allow this).