• tote bags
• pins
• bookmarks
• greetings cards.

Here’s how it works!

Step 1: Email elysia@changesbristol.org to receive your information pack.

This will include dimensions of each item, design specifications, as well as our brand font, colours and guidelines.

Step 2: Choose which item or items you would like to create a design for.

• The design should follow the theme: ‘What about Bristol brings you joy?‘. This could be a park or natural space that you like to explore, a place you have created nice memories, a part of Bristol with a community feel etc. Think outside of the box!
• When creating the design, you can use any medium you want. It could be a collage, a watercolour, a graphic design. You do not need to be an artist! We encourage anybody and everybody to enter.
• You can submit artwork for more than 1 item, however for each item you can only submit one design. (For example, you can submit one design for the bookmark and one for the tote bag, however you cannot submit 2 for either of these)

Step 3: Submit your design!

• For physical art, please sent it by post or drop it off at the office
• For digital art work, please send it to us by email or We Transfer
• We will also accept high quality full colour scans via email or We Transfer

Winning designs

Once we have closed the competition, our panel of judges will decide on 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each of the 4 items of merchandise.

• All 12 winning artists will receive an art goodie bag from CASS Art and a prize in the form of a voucher, and their design will be printed on the relevant merchandise.
• The new merchandise will be sold at our fundraising events and in local art shop Love It Bristol, who have also kindly offered to display the 1st place designs in their window!
• These 12 artists will also have the opportunity to have their art featured in our limited edition Changes Bristol 2024 calendar, generously provided by Whitehall Printing.

We are so excited to receive all of your lovely designs. Please email elysia@changesbristol.org for an information pack or if you have any questions!

The post Design competition! appeared first on Changes Bristol.

Are you a good listener? Got an ear to lend? If you are able to commit to one or two hours a week this might be the perfect opportunity for you.

Changes Bristol is recruiting volunteers to support the running of our telephone Befriending Service.

Befriending is an extremely rewarding role in which you will support our members who may be feeling isolated, lonely and in mental health distress. Our befrienders provide a safe, judgement free, and empathetic ear at these challenging times, allowing people to talk about their feelings and start making changes for the better.

The post WANTED – Telephone Befriending Volunteers appeared first on Changes Bristol.

How does it work? 

• Bring up to 10 good condition books – they can be any genre for any age (we take kids books too!)
• Exchange your books for a Changes book token card, where you will receive a stamp for each book you brought with you
• Swap your tokens for books! We will cross off a stamp for each book you take away. If you have any left at the end of the swap, keep hold of your card and bring it next time for £3 entry 
• Only got 5 stamps and can’t decide between 6 books? Don’t panic, we sell any extra books at £1 each

Where do I sign up? 

• You can either pay your entry fee by clicking here or you can just turn up on the day. Paying in advance does get you extra perks, such as a free tote bag, bookmark and extra book. Make sure to leave your full name on the donation form so that we can give you your freebies when you arrive!

The post Book Swap – Saturday 19th August appeared first on Changes Bristol.

You can find a list of alternative groups that are continuing to run on this page: https://changesbristol.org.uk/support/support-groups/find-a-group/

If you had any questions or concerns regarding this, please get in touch with us – info@changesbristol.org

The post IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – Bishopsworth Group Closure (from 5th July 2023) appeared first on Changes Bristol.

We are seeking a  Treasurer with finance experience and an ability to play an active part in our organisation. This is a key position on the board with the post holder working closely with the directors in overseeing financial reporting to the board and chairing the board’s finance sub committee. The successful candidate will need to work closely with the directors in maintaining financial control and ensure we comply with our legal responsibilities as a registered charity. 

The board currently meets 12 times a year though this will change over the coming months to every 2 months. The board also has 4 subcommittees, one of which the post holder chairs, this meets quarterly.

While there is no fixed commitment an initial commitment of about 2-3 days a month may be assumed. 

Some home working is possible, though it would be preferable for the majority of meetings to be attended in person.

Travel expenses are available .

For further information please contact Pete Raimes – Our Chair of Trustees at chairoftrustees@changesbristol.org

Role Description
Being a Trustee – Changes Bristol
Application Form
Equal Opportunities Form

The post New Trustee Role Available: Treasurer appeared first on Changes Bristol.

Taking charge of your mental health is an important step towards your overall well-being, and it’s crucial to recognise that it’s okay to feel the need to seek support, especially in the workplace. Your employer plays a significant role in creating a positive work environment that promotes mental health and well-being. However, approaching your employer about the struggles you’re facing can seem incredibly daunting and challenging. In this blog, we will explore how to plan and have a productive discussion with your employer about your mental health. We will provide practical tips and strategies to help you navigate this conversation with confidence, ensuring that you are supported in prioritising your mental health at work.

How is your job impacting your mental health?

High levels of stress, unrealistic expectations, lack of recognition, long work hours, and toxic work environments can all contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. It’s important to recognise and acknowledge how your job may be impacting how you’re feeling, as this awareness can empower you to take steps towards prioritising and improving your well-being. Understanding the relationship between your job and your mental health is a crucial first step in proactively managing your mental health in the workplace.

Understand your rights

The first step you need to take before approaching your employer about your mental health struggles is to make sure to research and understand your rights as an employee regarding mental health in the workplace. Familiarise yourself with any relevant laws or policies that protect your rights, such as the Equality Act. This knowledge will empower you to advocate for yourself effectively when approaching your employer.

Prepare for the conversation

Although it may increase your feelings of anxiety, it’s crucial to plan and prepare for the discussion with your employer in order for you to get as much out of the conversation as possible. Consider what you want to communicate, including your concerns, needs, and any accommodations or adjustments that could support your mental health at work. Anticipate potential questions or objections from your employer and be prepared to address them.

Choose the right timing and approach

Timing and approach are key to having a productive conversation with your employer about your mental health. Choose a suitable time when your employer is likely to be receptive, such as during a scheduled performance review or in a private meeting. Be honest, clear, and respectful in your communication, and focus on how your mental health is impacting your ability to perform your job effectively.

Request accommodations or adjustments

Be specific in your conversation about any accommodations or adjustments that would help to support your mental health at work. This could include flexible work hours, reduced workload, or changes in job responsibilities. Providing any evidence or documentation from your GP and collaborating with your employer to find mutually beneficial solutions can help create a supportive work environment that promotes your mental health and overall well-being.

Discuss potential solutions.

Be open to your employer’s suggestions and be willing to negotiate to find the most practical and effective ways to address your mental health needs at work. Emphasise how the accommodations or adjustments you are requesting would ultimately benefit your job performance and the company’s overall success.

Follow up and seek support.

After the initial conversation, follow up with your employer to ensure that any agreed-upon accommodations or adjustments are implemented. If needed, seek support from HR, a union representative, or a trusted colleague. It’s important to have ongoing communication and check-ins with your employer to ensure that your mental health needs are being met at work.

Remember, taking charge of your mental health at work is a right, and advocating for yourself can lead to a healthier and more productive work environment. By approaching your employer in a proactive and strategic manner, you can initiate a productive discussion that promotes your mental health and well-being in the workplace.

The post GUEST ARTICLE! Taking Charge of Your Mental Health: How to Approach Your Employer for a Productive Discussion appeared first on Changes Bristol.

Salary:
£23,300 pro-rata

Contract Type:
6 months rolling contract (subject to funding)

Hours:
Full time (37.5 hours)

Location:
Bristol – Hybrid between office, home and groups/events around the city

Details of Role:
Changes Bristol is a small and vibrant team that is growing and adapting to Bristol’s changing needs. One of our core values as a charity is ‘Allyship’ and we are committed to ensuring there are safe, welcoming and non-judgemental spaces for people who might experience discrimination, micro-aggressions or stigma, in other areas of their life. Our current specific safe space groups are comprised of; A women’s group, a men’s group, a women of colour group and an LGBTQIA+ group. They are all brilliant and important spaces that have been very important life-line’s to their members. 

This year, we will be opening a Men of Colour peer support group, to provide a safe, non-judgemental space for men of colour to talk about their mental wellbeing without fear of discrimination, gas-lighting or stigma. The group is opening as part of the city’s wellbeing response to the Cost of Living Crisis. We are looking for a *person of colour who identifies as a man to become the newest member of our team and the Project Worker for our Men of Colour group.

As well as facilitating a number of our general peer support groups and cost of living response wellbeing groups, your job will be to be lead facilitator for the Men of Colour group and to promote it to the city of Bristol and beyond!

Your main responsibility will be to facilitate groups and develop the Men of Colour service provision via promotion, networking, outreach work and supporting the volunteers. You’ll be expected to occasionally attend networking and promotional events, travelling to meet individuals and businesses when necessary. You’ll have a keen eye for detail when it comes to understanding trends in group attendance and you’ll be creative when it comes to thinking of new ways to reach diverse audiences and attract new members. 

The role requires the ability to work under your own initiative as well as in a team; the ability to manage and support volunteers and to have knowledge of peer support and safeguarding issues.

* Changes Bristol believes strongly that our safe space peer support groups should be led by people who are part of the community for which the groups serve. It is important that the facilitator of our Men of Colour group is a person of colour who identifies as a man. Similarly, our Women of Colour group is facilitated by people of colour who identify as women and our LGBTQIA+ group and Women’s and Men’s groups are facilitated by members of the relevant identity communities too. 

About Changes Bristol:
Changes Bristol is a mental health charity that provides a service to those suffering mental distress in the Greater Bristol area. Our services include peer support meetings that run every week that are open access with no referral necessary, and a telephone befriending service for mental health, as well as ‘Walk and Talk’ groups and an outdoor wellbeing group. We’re a small, creative and vibrant team, and we consider our services to be essential to the population of Bristol. 

You’ll love working with us because:

• You’ll get a free headspace membership
• You’ll have 25 days annual leave (pro rata), plus 3 days paid leave during our winter office closure between the bank holidays in December, plus bank holidays 
• You’ll get an EXTRA day of paid leave for your Birthday
• You’ll get eye tests paid for by us, plus £40 towards glasses
• We provide regular training and development opportunities for our staff, you’ll have an individual training budget for your role
• We are a peer-led, lived experience charity. Many of our staff and volunteers have lived experience of mental distress and therefore our services are led by real understanding and experience. We are open, honest and understanding of everyone’s unique experience and perspective.

Information Session
If you’d like to learn more about Changes Bristol and the roles available, or ask any questions, we will be running a live virtual information/ Q&A session on 25th May, 6-7pm.Please email louisa@changesbristol.org to sign up. 

Closing Date
Please submit your application by 14th July 2023 at 12 midday

How to Apply
Please complete the Application form and Equal Opportunities form to be considered for the role.

These can be found by following the link below. The Equal Opportunitues form is anonymous and is completed online. The application form can be downloaded and when completed emailed to louisa@changesbristol.org.

Please ensure you read and understand the Job Description and Person Specification before completing the application form. 

We do not expect you to meet everything on the Person Specification, it is for guidance purposes only. Please do apply for the role if you think you will be a good fit, even if you only meet 40% of the specification. 

A CV will not be accepted as an application for the role.

We are an equal opportunities employer, but more than that we are a charity that cares passionately about diversity and inclusion. We are committed to ensuring our team better reflects the communities that we serve in Bristol. 

As a peer-led charity, we welcome applications from those with disabilities and who have lived experience of mental ill health.

Vacancy Documents:
Job Description
Person Specification
Application Form
Equal Opportunities Form

The post Job Vacancy – Men of Colour Group Project Worker appeared first on Changes Bristol.

It’s not unusual to feel burnt out as a carer. In fact, this is completely normal and understandable. Spending all of your time tending to others’ needs can leave you feeling like there’s nothing left for you, but it’s important to remember that if you’re mentally and physically strong, then you’re better placed to care for someone else. Ensuring your own needs are met is not only vital to your own wellbeing, but it’s essential to being able to continue to provide high quality care for others.

In this article, we discuss ways in which you can try to restore some balance in the relationship you have with those you’re caring for.

The post Guest article – Looking After You: Practising Self-Care Whilst Supporting Others appeared first on Changes Bristol.

“I have loved volunteering with Changes – I find great comfort and reward in the vast array of faces who make
use of the easily accessible and free service.

I regularly come away from the groups with a genuine spring in my step, sometimes after an already long day, just astounded and grateful to have witnessed/ felt part of such a lovely community of people, often willing to share their experiences and shared understanding, as a way of supporting one another.

Volunteering at Pride has also been a highlight as I really wanted to tell everyone about the great stuff that Changes offers, but from a personal perspective, they provided an opportunity for me to connect with theLGBTQ  community which I’m also super grateful for.”

If you have some time to offer, consider volunteering with Changes Bristol. We are actively looking for volunteers who can support our Befriending, Support Group and Office team and any skill set is welcome.

Contact us at info@changesbristol.org

The post Meet One Of Our Volunteers! – Ria appeared first on Changes Bristol.

The post WANTED: Volunteer Befrienders appeared first on Changes Bristol.