New start for wellbeing service after lockdown

The North Somerset Wellbeing Service, which supports over 200 people, is looking for a new head office as part of its post Covid-19 recovery.

The service’s Old Street office in Clevedon was forced to close when lockdown restrictions came into effect in March. The service, run by mental health organisation Second Step, responded to the Covid-19 pandemic by offering support online and via one-to-one telephone support. A virtual wellbeing college was launched, with a variety of online wellbeing activities, resources, and group sessions. During lockdown, the small team has made 788 one-to-one support calls and run 76 wellbeing sessions.

One client Vicky said the online sessions kept her well during the pandemic: 

“I’ve really enjoyed the online art session with Sophie. Arts and crafts are a big part of what keeps me well. Eighteen months ago I had a severe psychotic episode and have slowly been recovering. I never knew how grounding and mindful arts and crafts could be.”

Claire Denyer, North Somerset Wellbeing Service Manager said:

“Like so many organisations, we’ve been reviewing the suitability of our current premises. The Old Street office does not allow us to run face-to-face group sessions safely under the social distancing rules. We’ve made the decision to look for new premises and we’re really excited about new opportunities this move might bring and the new people we could reach with our service”.

The service has invited all of their current clients to join an online Zoom meeting later this month to discuss the move. If clients are unable to attend the meeting, they are able to send their thoughts in to the service directly.

“We understand the value of clients helping us to shape and plan our services”,

said Chris Kinston, Senior Operations Manager for Second Step. He continued.

“We’re looking forward to hearing our clients’ thoughts about the future of the service. We appreciate the history they have with the Old Street building. We want to work closely with everyone involved in the service to make this transition as positive as possible.”

The Wellbeing Service remains open and is running daily sessions for its clients. It plans to start face-to-face group sessions as soon as possible.

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Contact

PR & Communications Manager Jane Edmonds 07841777401 or jane.edmonds@second-step.co.uk

Notes to editors

The art and crafts created by clients during lockdown have been shared as part of a virtual #WhatKeepsMeWell exhibition on Instagram that aims to demonstrate the healing power of art and creativity during a time of crisis.

Second Step is 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 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.

Website: www.second-step.co.uk

Twitter and Instagram @wearesecondstep