Mental health services

One in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem at some point that affects their daily life, relationships or physical health.

Mental health problems can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender or social background. If you think that you may have a mental health problem – or suspect that someone close to you has one – please seek help. Without care and treatment, mental health problems can have a serious effect on an individual and those around them.

The information below is a starting point, but we urge you to see your GP.

Who should I contact?

If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, tense or depressed and find that these feelings are impacting your relationships, work, or life generally, talk to your GP. There are therapies and other treatments which can help.

If you do not have a doctor, NHS 111 can put you in touch with one and provide further information or advice.

The NHS website also has a list of mental health helplines that can offer expert advice and lots of online support and advice on mental health issues.

NHS.UK: Mental health

If you’re feeling low and need help, you can visit The Moodzone. You can take the quick online self-assessment test, which will indicate whether you’re depressed and need medical help, or are simply feeling low.

NHS Talking Therapies

If you are suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, excessive worry or low mood, then NHS Talking Therapies can help.

NHS Talking Therapies is a free service which offers a range of short-term therapeutic support to adults 16-years and over, who live in and are registered with a GP in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based techniques we will help you to learn tools and techniques you can use to boost your mood and mind when you feel anxious or low. Everything we offer is free and confidential.

Talking Therapies in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

Independent Mental Health Network

The Independent Mental Health Network is an organisation that represents a diverse community of past, current and future users of mental health services, as well as those with lived experiences of mental health. It provides a safe space for people to confidentially share their needs and experiences of mental health services, and works to ensure that mental health support is effective and fit for purpose.

Bristol Independent Health Network Independent Mental Health Network: North Somerset services Independent Mental Health Network: South Gloucestershire services

Local councils

Your local council provides groups and activities you could take part in to help you promote and manage your mental health and wellbeing.

Bristol City Council: Mental health services North Somerset Council: Mental health services One You South Gloucestershire

Other support organisations

  • Alzheimer’s Society– a national website offering advice and information about living with Alzheimer’s, for the individual, family and carers
  • Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust– for details of local community and inpatient services
  • Bristol Mind– a confidential Freephone helpline on 0808 808 0330 for residents of Bristol and the surrounding areas, providing information about local services
  • Bristol Physical Activity Referral Scheme– activity sessions for people who have experienced long-term mental health difficulties within various leisure facilities across Bristol
  • Bristol Support for Autism– advice and support for people with Autism in Bristol
  • Chat Health – is here to help with a range of issues, from relationships and healthy eating, to bullying and alcohol abuse. If you’re 11-19 and need to talk, text School Nurses on 07312 263093. This service runs during the school holidays as well as term time.
  • Cruse Bereavement Care– a national charity supporting children, young people and adults when someone dies
  • Mind– a national charity provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem
  • Rethink– a national charity helping people with severe mental illness on 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 10am-2pm)
  • Samaritans– a confidential 24 hour telephone service offering support to anyone in distress on 0117 983 1000 (Branch) 08457 909090 (UK)
  • SANE– SANE offers emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental health problems
  • Second Step– offers housing and support services to people with mental health problems
  • Well Aware– an online guide to health, wellbeing and community services in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset
  • Womankind– provides women in the Bristol area with free or affordable professional counselling, psychotherapy and on-going support and a helpline on 0845 458 2914 or 0117 9166 461

Support available for health and social care staff

The Healthier Together Support Network gives confidential wellbeing and mental health support for health and care staff in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Healthier Together Support Network