The Bridge Foundation Bristol

Here are our closing dates for the festive period: 📆 24th December - 5th January We know that this time of year can feel isolating, with people away and routines disrupted. In an emergency, where there is immediate risk of harm, call 999. See the following link for a list of resources for anyone who might be struggling and in need of help or support: https://buff.ly/3RgGPBQ You are not alone 💟

For many people, the picture-perfect Christmas can feel very far away. Between increased financial and emotional pressures and difficult family dynamics, Christmas can be a challenging time for all the family. Here's some reminders to help yourself, and others, have a gentler festive season: ➡️ Keep realistic expectations in mind 👨👨👧 Aim for simple, more manageable ‘shared’ moments together 🛏️ Take breaks to recoup if needed ❤️ Be kind to yourself

🌟 Parent therapy groups - spaces still available 🌟 Parents/carers come together to share the joys and challenges of raising children, facilitated by our expert psychotherapists. Our therapy groups provide the space to connect with others and build resilience in a safe environment. We have separate groups for... ➡️ Parents of adolescents ➡️ Parents of neurodivergent children <12 (no diagnosis necessary) 💰 Sliding scale £10-£30 per session (subsidised) 📆 Starting in January 2025 🔗 Click this link to find out more: https://buff.ly/3rX773g

Our parent therapy groups are back - here's what parents can expect 👇 🗨️ Support from our experienced therapists ❤️ A safe space to discuss the highs & lows of parenting 🤝 Time to connect with other parents experiencing similar issues 🧠 To feel better resourced, equipped & understood We have two groups available: ➡️ Parents of adolescents ➡️ Parents of neurodivergent children <12 (no diagnosis necessary) Interested in joining, or know someone who would be? Click this link for more info: https://buff.ly/3rX773g

Society often gives us a narrowminded view of what it means to be a man. Men are told not to... ➡️ Reach out for help ➡️ Express their emotions ➡️ Be honest about their struggles These expectations can mean men feel isolated in their difficulties, feeling unable to get the support they need. We're here to remind men that they deserve a safe space where their feelings and struggles are listened to and respected. #MensMentalHealth #Movember

⌛ Don't miss out! There's less than a week left to apply for our Finance Assistant vacancy. Join our friendly and dedicated team, and play your part in the meaningful work of our award-winning organisation. 🔗 To apply, make sure you complete the application form on our website: https://buff.ly/3wG7EFp 📅 Closing date: Monday 25th November (9am)

📈 Levels of severely absent children are at record highs, and Bristol’s school attendance rates currently rank among the worst in England (Department for Education). 🎒 Difficulties with attending school can be deeply upsetting for the children and young people going through this - and also for their parents/carers, who can feel anxious, isolated, and blamed. 👩🏫 It can be worrying for professionals working with the child, and education staff can come under huge pressures too. 🔗 Follow this link for our practical ideas about advocating for the children affected and supportive tips on the associated mental health impacts - please share with any parents/carers and professionals who may benefit: https://lnkd.in/edknSHvH

Thank you to Better Work Bristol for including our Finance Assistant role in their weekly digest highlighting meaningful job opportunities👇 🔗 Interested in joining our team? Find out more and apply here: https://buff.ly/3wG7EFp

📖 We are delighted to see that one of our blogs has been included in Sharon Hurley Hall's 𝘈𝘯𝘵𝘪-𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵 for October. This curated article includes invaluable anti-racist resources, and we are honoured to have the work of one of our expert psychotherapists, Audrey James, on the list.

People deserve to have equal access to mental health services - but not everybody does. Whilst seeking out support can be challenging for most people, Black communities face additional barriers that can make this process distressing. Stories of people’s difficulties being dismissed are far too common – Black people may receive culturally insensitive therapy, or have their experiences of microaggressions dismissed by White therapists. This inequity means Black people often don’t receive the appropriate therapy they need, or feel fear surrounding accessing support. We’re using Black History Month this year to think about how we play our part in dismantling structural racism and continually learning and evolving our allyship, at individual and organisational levels. This work at a systemic level needs to include dismantling racist structures and creating new ones that uphold and celebrate the experiences and cultures of People of Colour. At The Bridge Foundation, we are committed to continuing our anti-racist work through reflection, education and advocating for change. Everybody deserves autonomy and respect in the therapy room. Black History Month UK #BlackHistoryMonth #ReclaimingNarratives