Like physical health, we all have mental health.
Mental health is our overall emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. This may change how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.
Lots of life experiences can affect our mental health – causing anxiety, depression and other mental health difficulties.
It’s estimated that 1 in 4 people in England will experience a mental health difficulty each year[1].
Please see below for links to mental health support, specifically for women.
This is not a full list of the support out there – and there will be overlaps between the categories – but it can be used as a starting point. Both local and national support is listed, where possible.
If you need immediate help, please click here for a list of mental health help lines.
Womankind’s support line is run by women, for women can be found here.
The Self-Injury Support line is open Mon – Thursday 7 to 10pm and can be found here.
The local talking therapy service, provided by Vitaminds can be found here and additional
NHS mental health services can be found here.
Local support:
- Nature for wellbeing
Open Minds Active: outdoor swimming for women’s health
Soul Trail: Nature connection and Mental health | Soul Trail Wellbeing C.I.C
Active Being: Using physical movement in nature to connect with others
Well Aware: Directory of local services – improving wellbeing through nature
- Post-natal support
Black Mothers Matter: Emotional and mental health support
Mothers for Mothers: Postnatal mental health support
- Specialist support
Next Link: Telephone advice, safe accommodation and community support for women who have / are experiencing domestic abuse
The Bridge, Safe Link and SARSAS: Information, advice and support for people who have experienced sexual violence and abuse
Womankind: Helpline, counselling and group therapy (includes services for deaf women)
The Nelson Trust: Holistic support for women experiencing multiple disadvantage
One25: Outreach and professional support for women who street sex work
OPOKA: Helpline and support for Polish women experiencing domestic abuse
- Support for eating disorders
SWEDA: support for people with eating disorders across the South-West
- All-women support groups
Changes Bristol: Women’s Group
Changes Bristol: Women of Colour Group
Missing Link: Wellbeing Group
Bristol Women’s voice: Directory of support for ethnically minoritised groups, including refugees
National support:
Mind: National mental health charity – general information and signposting
Hub of Hope: Mental health support directory and network
Information in other languages:
Royal College of Psychiatrists: Mental health resources translated into 26 languages
OPOKA: Helpline and support for Polish women experiencing domestic abuse
Foundations for people with learning disabilities: Feeling down: looking after my mental health (easy-read)
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust: Mental Health self-help leaflets – including audio and BSL
