More detail about each of these services can be found here:
The Illuminate programme provides 1:1 long term mentoring for young people who need the support of a ‘professional friend’. It might be that they are struggling with their mental health, are a young carer or have experienced trauma. Illuminate is primarily aimed at young people who have a dream of what they could achieve, if they only had access to the right kind of support to help fulfil their potential. These are weekly 1:1 sessions (normally 2hrs per week) out in the community or at the young person’s home and can be activity based or therapeutic depending on the needs of the child. We try to match our practitioners and volunteers carefully with the young people on personality, interests and needs.
We are currently not accepting new referrals on our Illuminate project due to being oversubscribed.
Drop the Pressure is a telephone listening support service that provides weekly sessions for young people (ages 10-18) experiencing issues surrounding mental health and emotional wellbeing. Sessions are via phone/ text and provide a space for you to talk, be yourself, and be heard. Our team of trained volunteer listeners are here to listen to any issues, big or small, that matter to you.
Drop the Pressure is facilitated by a small team of experienced volunteer listeners who are supervised onsite by a BACP children and adolescent therapist.
Drop the Pressure is agile in tailoring communication methods to what that young person needs. Drop The Pressure listeners can help you talk through lots of different things such as your feelings or mental health, coping strategies for difficult moments, or focusing on your goals and ambitions. We believe everyone is unique so every call will be different, we want you to know that you are in charge of what you talk about.
Drop the Pressure sessions run every Thursday (4-7.30pm) during the school-term and pause during the school holidays.
These are specialist therapeutic small groups for children and young people who may be feeling anxious or isolated. The groups aim to build confidence, friendships, and improve wellbeing in a supportive environment with guidance from a lead mental health practitioner. We wrap these group projects around with 1:1 follow ups and family support.
Currently our Glow Groups run online during term time with in-person workshops and groups during the school holidays.
We currently have three therapeutic groups:
1. Remix (year 5 and 6s)
Remix is a specialist online group for children and young people to connect with others and express themselves through games, play and creative activities. The group is aimed at children who might be feeling isolated and anxious and who enjoy creative activities.
2. Transitions (year 7 and 8s)
Transitions is an online social group built around the theme of transition and change through conversation, games and creative activities. The group is aimed at children who may be feeling anxious, isolated or anyone struggling to fit in with peers.
Game On (year 6, 7 and 8s)
Game On is a specialist online group for children and young people to play games and socialise with peers through a shared loved of gaming. The group is aimed at young people who might be feeling isolated, anxious or those struggling to fit in with peers who enjoy gaming and feel most comfortable in an online space.
We are proud to work in partnership with Alive Charity and CoExist Community Kitchen for holidays sessions. This includes intergenerational nature-based activities and cooking sessions.
Summer holiday programme 2024
Across Summer 2024 we are running a programme of holiday groups and workshops for children (age 6-12) impacted by mental health difficulties, SEND and anyone feeling anxious and isolated. Sessions include cooking and baking, intergenerational nature-based crafts, a day trip to the Zoo Project and graffiti fun. Interested? Get in touch for more info!
Support for Parents
Across 2024 we are providing a series of guided nature walks for parents and parent carers of children impacted by mental health and special educational needs. The walks aim to improve wellbeing by providing opportunities to get into nature with a small supportive group and spend time with others “who get it”. The walks are led by trained health practitioners and take place at local nature trails around Bristol. This is a partnership project developed alongside Soul Trail Wellbeing CIC, a non profit organisation offering free wellbeing walks and nature workshops to the community, and funded by Sport England. Sign up or find out more!
How to refer?
We accept self-refer from young people and parents as well as professional referrals. Simply get in touch or call 0117 366 0079 to make a referral. As long as we have consent, we can reach out to the young person and/or their family directly.
Volunteer with us
Our Glow programme is reliant on invaluable support and help from amazing volunteers. Would you like to make a difference to tackle mental health disadvantage and inequality? We have a range of roles to get involved in!
