Welcome to Second Step

We’re a leading mental health charity that’s been putting mental health first for people in Bristol and the South West for over 30 years. We believe that with the right support, everyone can take control of their life and make their future their own. Our services can be found in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Somerset.

Our mission is to promote mental health and wellbeing by supporting people and communities to build brighter futures. Working hand-in-hand with the NHS and local authorities, we offer practical help and emotional support tailored to each individual and their recovery.

The people who use our services are at the heart of our organisation, and our involvement groups help inform and improve the services we deliver.

Read our 2023 Impact Report

Celebrating Diversity

How we help

Second Step icon of a House

Homeless Services

Our homeless services help people, including those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, to find suitable accommodation they can call home.

Second Step icon representing recovery

Recovery & Mental Health

We work with the NHS to run mental health services which focus on the individual - working with them to find the hope and courage to take the next steps in their recovery.

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Community & Wellbeing

We run a number of services in the community which help people find the hope and courage they need to make the most of their health and wellbeing.

Our services can be found in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset, North Somerset
and South Gloucestershire.

Latest news and stories

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From near homelessness to living independently: How Ezra and the Hope Project helped Drew achieve his goals

2 October 2024

By Ezra Peregrine-Wheller, Hope Project worker I think the most important part of our work within the Hope Project is…

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Paint and Learn blog

Paint and Lunch: How our artist colleagues and clients are bringing colour and creativity to our new Bristol offices

1 October 2024

A collaborative Paint and Lunch event aimed to create a “homely feel” for the new Second Step Pennywell Road offices…

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Three people sitting at a desk with notepads and pens.

Sign up: New FREE mental health and wellbeing workshops in South Gloucestershire

24 September 2024

Introducing our new range of free mental health and wellbeing workshops for adults (18+) living in South Gloucestershire. Learn skills…

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Homelessness consultation

Real life experiences inform homelessness and rough sleeping consultation in Somerset

16 September 2024

Somerset Council launched a public consultation in July to review its homelessness strategy. The work is being done alongside the…

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Drew standing arms crossed in front of a wall with colourful artwork on

Breaking the stigma of ‘man up’

10 September 2024

This World Suicide Prevention Day, Drew shares his story with us, how his bond with his Hope Project worker Ezra…

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Hope bench

A Walk for A Life. A walk for a friend.

9 September 2024

Stepladder’s digital communications officer, Julie, explains what it was like to take part in A Walk for A Life in…

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Community Rehabilitation forest walk

Taking mental health outside – How regular trips to a forest near Bristol are helping people find solace and hope

3 September 2024

There is growing evidence surrounding the benefits of nature-based interventions for mental health. Many studies show that ‘forest bathing’ can…

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Photo Credit: Liam McBurney

Could personalised budgets end homelessness and rough sleeping?

27 August 2024

Step Together, our innovative service supporting people facing multiple disadvantages in Somerset, is taking part in a nationwide Test and…

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Sign up now: Free six-week course for carers in North Somerset starting 26 September

20 August 2024

This September, North Somerset Wellbeing is running a free, six-week course for carers (18 years and over) who provide support…

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Succeeding Together: Insights and Innovations from Bristol Community Rehabilitation Services

19 August 2024

Our Bristol Community Rehabilitation Services team recently hosted a learning event to share their pathway and approach with colleagues from…

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Sep 25

We’re excited to be part of the @1.question event tomorrow asking: who is responsible for our mental health?

With suicide rates at their highest for two decades, it’s more important than ever that local organisations, experts in the field and the community come together to understand what’s happening.

We’ll be there to listen, learn and contribute. Because this is about community wellbeing, about the public health agenda, the social determinants of health and the five ways to wellbeing. For us it’s also about the tried and tested prevention and early intervention work we do with middle-aged men through our Hope Project and the amazing learning that’s being provided through our Wellbeing Colleges in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Wellbeing and prevention is a community effort and by coming together tomorrow we hope to be part of a process which will find some answers to how best to improve people’s mental health.

#mentalhealthawareness

wearesecondstep

Sep 10

“Truthfully, I’m happy to be alive and be here today”

Drew came to the Hope Project when he was facing homelessness and struggling with his mental health, including having suicidal thoughts. Past trauma meant he found it hard to trust others. So, when he met Ezra for the first time at the job centre while being emergency housed, he didn’t feel safe opening up straight away.

It took time, but with Ezra’s support, Drew felt able to start sharing what was going on for him – from his worries and fears to his hobbies and interests, Ezra listened, and they formed a strong bond.

Working together they tackled some of the biggest issues Drew was struggling with such as his self-confidence, the challenges of living in emergency housing, and his worries about being bullied. Less than a year later, Drew lives independently, has many hobbies and friends, runs his own businesses, and looks forward to the future.

This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, he’s sharing his story to help break the stigma that prevents men like himself from opening up about having suicidal thoughts.

Read Drew’s story in full on our website News Hub - link in bio (content warning: mentions of suicidal thoughts)

#StartTheConversation #HopeAndCourage

wearesecondstep

Sep 10

It started with a conversation.

Drew’s past experiences such as being bullied meant he found it hard to build trusting relationships. When he first met Ezra through our Hope Project, he was struggling with his mental health, facing homelessness, and having suicidal thoughts. He’d been let down by services before and lost his faith that anyone could help.

But from his first meeting with Ezra, Drew felt someone was finally listening. It took time to build trust, but with each conversation he began to open up more. This meant Ezra could support Drew through the stresses going on in his life, from coping with the challenges of being emergency housed to rebuilding his confidence. Now Drew is living independently, has many friends and hobbies and runs his own businesses.

Drew has decided to share his story to help break down the stigma around talking about suicidal feelings and the idea of ‘man up’.

Read or watch Drew’s story on our website News Hub – link in bio.

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The latest stats show that suicide rates in England and Wales are the highest since 1999, and three-quarters of people who take their own life are male.

This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, we want to change the narrative on suicide and raise awareness of the need for vital suicide prevention projects such as Hope. The strength of Drew’s bond with Ezra shows how valuable having just one person by your side during tough times can be.

#StartTheConversation #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #SuicidePrevention #MensMentalHealth

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There’s a lot of difficult content out there on social media today. If you need someone to talk to, The Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – give them a call for free on 116 123.

wearesecondstep

Sep 9

Can you start a conversation with a loved one?

This weekend we joined @somersetcouncil’s Walk for A Life event in Taunton to remember those we have lost to suicide and to support those who have been affected by it.

This is the third year the event has been run in partnership with organisations across Somerset, including Second Step’s Stepladder project, which works to connect men who are having a tough time with organisations in their local area.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 is ‘Start the Conversation’ and with this in mind the local community gathered to walk through the town raising awareness and reducing stigma while also encouraging action to prevent suicide.

#WalkForALifeSomerset #WFAL2024 #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #MentalHealthSupport

wearesecondstep

Sep 3

There's growing evidence surrounding the benefits of nature-based interventions for mental health.

Many studies show that ‘forest bathing’ can reduce stress, anxiety and depression while improving mood and enhancing feelings of hope. But very little work has been done to assess the effects of spending time in nature for people with more severe mental health problems.

Forest Friday, established in 2017, offers people with significant mental health needs regular access to time outside in nature. It’s a partnership between the Bristol Community Rehabilitation Service and the Forest of Avon Trust.

Dr Charlotte Sullivan, a Psychiatrist working with team, carried out an evaluation talking to both participants and staff to discover more about the group’s value and effectiveness.

She shares her findings in the latest post on our News Hub. Follow the link in our bio to read more.

#MentalHealth #CommunityRehabilitation #Nature

wearesecondstep

Aug 28

Could personalised financial support help reduce homelessness & rough sleeping? Our Step Together service in Somerset is taking part in a nationwide Test & Learn Project led by the Centre for Homelessness Impact @homelessnessimpact to find out.

Working alongside our local partners in Somerset, Rethink @rethinkmentalillness, YMCA @ymcadulvertongroup and Arc @arc.inspire, we are one of 15 organisations taking part in the Personalised Budgets Project to evaluate the impact of providing financial support via a personalised budget in helping people exit homelessness.

Mark Brown, Senior Operations Manager with Second Step, says:

“We’re delighted to be involved in this work which will increase our understanding of this complex and often entrenched issue, and help us create lasting change both at a local and national level.”

Interim findings are expected in Autumn 2025. Find out more and stay up to date on our website News Hub: link in bio.

#Homelessness #HomelessnessAwareness #HomelessnessPrevention #TestAndLearn

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Aug 23

This September we’re running six FREE wellbeing workshops for carers (18 years+) who provide support to adults living in North Somerset.

The Wellbeing for Carers: Looking After Yourself course will support carers in understanding their own mental health needs and those of the person they care for.

Over six weeks, you’ll explore topics such as coping skills and emotional resilience, as well as having a safe and confidential space to share your experiences and meet other carers.

Where: 4 Boulevard, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1NA.

When:

Session 1: Thursday 26 September, 10am-12.30pm.
Session 2: Thursday 3 October, 10am-12.30pm.
Session 3: Thursday 10 October, 10am-12.30pm.
(Thursday 17 October: no session)
Session 4: Thursday 24 October, 10am-12.30pm.
Session 5: Thursday 31 October, 10am-12.30pm.
Session 6: Thursday 7 November, 10am-12.30pm.

Booking is essential – find out more and sign up on our website, link in bio.

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#NorthSomerset #WestonSuperMare #NorthSomersetCarers #NorthSomersetCommunity #CarersSupport #UKCarers #SupportForCarers #CarersCommunity #CaregiversSupport #CarersNetwork #CarersMentalHealth #CarerWellbeing

wearesecondstep

Aug 21

Suicide can affect every one of us, and every life lost to suicide is a tragedy.

By raising awareness, reducing the stigma and encouraging action we can help to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide in Somerset.

This is the third year of the Walk for a Life event for World Suicide Prevention Day, which sets off from Taunton Quaker Meeting House at 10.30am on Saturday 7 September.

Feel free to arrive at the venue anytime from 10am, where there will be signs and pens to write the name of a loved one or reasons for walking.

Follow the link in our bio to find out more on the Walk For A Life website.

#SuicidePrevention #StartTheConversation #TogetherWeCanMakeADifference

wearesecondstep

Aug 7

The violent unrest and riots by far-right racist extremists continues to affect cities across the country, including Bristol, leaving us feeling shocked and horrified.

Second Step condemns this senseless behaviour outright.

These outrageous events have left our clients and colleagues of Black, Caribbean, African and Asian descent feeling particularly vulnerable. For support about racism and discrimination, including what to do if you face or witness a hate crime, our partner SARI @saricharity has resources: saricharity.org.uk.

Prioritise your safety and your mental health during this difficult time.

Let us stand together in solidarity, promoting safety, respect and understanding.

wearesecondstep

Jul 30

When Bridgwater-based Dawn (pictured right) first met her Recovery and Wellbeing Worker Claudia (left), she was stricken with grief after the death of her mum. She was unable to leave her home and was experiencing panic attacks every time she heard a noise from outside.

As they talked, Claudia discovered Dawn adored watching birds in her garden and was interested in attending a local nature and bird-watching group called Seeds of Hope.

“It was a challenging journey, as it can be whenever change is involved,” said Claudia. “It was a pleasure to witness Dawn’s commitment to her recovery. Now Dawn has all the tools she needs to continue her journey independently.”

Dawn added: “I was struggling with everything, day to day basics, going out… Just doing ordinary things…because of my anxiety and depression, because of the death of my mum. She was my life. I then got referred to Second Step. Claudia and me took steps by going out walking and getting me back in the open and helping me.”

Follow the link in our bio to read the full story on our News Hub.

#MentalHealth #Somerset #Grief

wearesecondstep

Jul 23

On Friday we held the official opening of our new office in Pennywell Road with clients, staff, Board members, volunteers, partners and commissioners joining us to mark the occasion.

We moved from Brunswick Square – our home for 30 years – in April and were excited to welcome everyone into our new space.

One of our special guests and former client Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Paul Goggin who we supported 20 years ago as a tenant at our Toll House Court project, made a short speech.

He explained how Second Step was one of the organisations who helped him when he was homeless and had nowhere else to go.

He said: “Although we – clients – can be a bit rubbish at the time, twenty years later we’ll want to find you to say thank you for all the help you gave, as I have done today. What you do is so important and helps us all to look to a brighter future.”

Follow the link in our bio to read more.

#SucceedingTogether #MentalHealth #Bristol

Thanks to @marksimmonsphoto for this shot of (from left to right): Second Step Chief Executive Aileen Edwards, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Paul Goggin,
Kerry McCarthy MP (Bristol East), Chairman of the Board (Second Step) Kelvin Blake

wearesecondstep

Jul 16

In our latest blog post Peer Support Officer Kate and peer workers Lynn and Boaz reflect on the transformative power of peer work.

They discuss what drew them to this field and why it holds such profound significance.

Follow the link in our bio to find out more.

#MentalHealth #PeerWork #PeerSupport

wearesecondstep

Jul 10

We were delighted to receive a recent donation from PLUS1 x Noah Kahan's The Busyhead Project @noahkahanmusic. The donation of £2000 will help us continue our life-changing work across the South West of England.

Noah created this fund with hopes of giving to organisations working to support mental health access for all people throughout the course of his 2023 tour. We’re very grateful for this donation - thank you.

#MentalHealth

wearesecondstep

Jul 9

In August, we're teaming up with @beyond_equality to offer three FREE workshops focusing on men's wellbeing in North Somerset! All men/anyone who identifies as male aged 18+ in North Somerset welcome.

This will be a safe, open space to have genuine chats about wellbeing, connect with others and pick up tips to support your wellbeing in your everyday life.

The workshops will take place at 4 Boulevard, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1NA on:

Workshop 1: Thursday 8 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Workshop 2: Thursday 15 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Workshop 3: Thursday 22 August, 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Find out more and sign up on our website - click 'bio links' in our bio.

#NorthSomerset #MensMentalHealth #MensWellbeing #WellbeingAwareness #MentalHealthAwareness

wearesecondstep

Jul 2

When Phil met Anthony through our volunteering mentor scheme, Get Connected, they discovered a shared love of bikes, having both been involved with The Bristol Bike Project.

They soon developed a connection that empowered Anthony to move forward in life and rewarded Phil with a new sense of purpose.

Follow the link in our bio to read the full story.

Many thanks to @thebristolbikeproject for supplying the images used here and in our article.

#MentalHealth #Cycling #Volunteering

wearesecondstep

Jul 1

We’re hiring!

We’re looking for an experienced Digital Communications Officer to join Stepladder, our men’s mental health project in Somerset.

Flexible hybrid-remote role, 18.5 hours per week (2.5 days), fixed-term contract until March 2025.

You will deliver on three key communications objectives to:

👉 Create and develop a communications plan for our innovative men’s mental health project, Stepladder.

👉 Support the project’s community development goals to help individuals and organisations to build connections and networks for men across the county.

👉 Tell engaging stories to raise awareness of the work Stepladder does, including distributing grants via the Winston Innovation Fund to encourage new and inspiring groups and activities.

We value flexibility, so you will be able to work from home as well as in our central Bristol office and our offices in Somerset.

Interested? Then we’d love to hear from you!

Find out more and apply on our website: link in bio. Or for a friendly chat about the role, give our Communications Manager, Jane Edmonds, a call on 07841 777401.

Closing date: 7 July

#SomersetJobs #MentalHealthJobs #MensMentalHealth

wearesecondstep

Jun 27

This time last week, we were at Bristol’s Recovery Festival at the Trinity Centre.

The Recovery Festival is the biggest recovery focused event in the South West, offering an atmosphere of fun, hopefulness and inclusivity to celebrate the achievements of our community, offer the opportunity to learn new skills and build support networks.

‘We always enjoy attending this event, and this year was no exception,' said Sam Scott, Senior Service Coordinator (far left with Sianaye Hawker and Maria Saflekos). ‘It was great to be able to introduce Second Step to so many people, and to connect with other local organisations. Thank you to the organisers for such an inspiring day.’

Follow the link in our bio to find out more about who we are and what we do.

#MentalHealth #Bristol #Recovery

wearesecondstep

Jun 26

We all like to think that we value and support our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and try to make our environment as inclusive as possible, but sometimes it can feel clunky or awkward to advocate for safer spaces.

We can worry about virtue signalling or making empty statements of celebration.

We can worry about not having enough understanding or it ‘not being our place’ to speak up.

We can worry about appearing preachy or ‘overly concerned’ about certain topics.

Phoebe Horrocks - who recently become LGBTQIA+ lead for our Community Rehabilitation service in Bristol - wrote the latest post on our blog on how to be an LGBTQIA+ ally.

Take a look at some of her guidance here, and head over to our News Hub (link in bio) to read the full article.

#Pride #LGBTQIA #Allyship

wearesecondstep

Jun 25

Recovery Navigator Phoebe recently became LGBTQIA+ lead for Second Step’s Community Rehabilitation service in Bristol.

In this role, she proudly supports and advocates for our LGBTQIA+ clients and team members, as well as keeping an eye out for any exciting opportunities, training courses, and events for the community.

Phoebe also acts as a point of contact for colleagues for any queries or LGBTQIA+ related questions.

In our latest blog post, she shares some guidance on how to be an ally to LGBTQIA+ colleagues. Follow the link in our bio to read more.

#Pride #Pride2024 #LGBTQIA

wearesecondstep

Jun 12

To coincide with Carers’ Week, our amazing Bristol Community Rehabilitation team and Bristol Wellbeing College organised an event for carers on 10 June at our Pennywell Road office.

The event was open to all carers to drop in, enjoy a cuppa and a pastry, and find out about the support services and resources available to help them maintain their mental health. Ben from our Bristol Wellbeing College was also present to share information about the College’s wellbeing workshops and courses which are free to all adults in Bristol.

Suzanne from our Community Rehabilitation team who organised the event said:

“Thank you to everyone who joined at the event. It was lovely to talk through some of the support that's available for carers throughout Carers’ Week and beyond.”

The event is part of a week of events for carers across Bristol hosted by organisations including Rethink Mental Illness @rethinkmentalillness and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership @awp_nhs. The aim is to raise awareness of the essential work carers do, the importance of supporting their mental health and to help them access further resources.

To find out more about Bristol Wellbeing College and Community Rehabilitation, visit our website 👉 links in bio

For more info and resources for carers, visit the @carers_week website: https://www.carersweek.org/about-carers-week/information-for-carers/

#CarersWeek #Carers #BristolCarers #BristolWellbeingCollege

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