Strengthening mental health support across the South West
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re sharing how our wellbeing and recovery colleges are continuing to grow and evolve across the South West – making it easier for more people to access free, practical learning that supports mental health. For over a decade, these colleges have been changing lives, offering courses and workshops shaped around what people need, and helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, low mood, sleep problems and low self‑esteem.
Across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW), the colleges provide welcoming spaces where adults can learn practical tools to improve their wellbeing, connect with others, and build confidence for the future.
Courses shaped by lived experience
The colleges offer a wide-ranging programme of interactive sessions, shaped with people who have lived experience of mental health difficulties. Courses focus on real-life strategies that learners can use straight away – from understanding anxiety and managing intense emotions, to improving sleep, building resilience, journalling, creative activities and spending time in nature.
Workshops take place both online and in local venues, helping to make support accessible for people who may not feel ready for clinical services, or who are looking for something empowering and preventative.
Rose has been attending classes at North Somerset Wellbeing College. She said, “When I first came along I was quite stressed and didn’t have much interest in things, and my confidence was pretty low. Since coming I’ve definitely engaged with people, and my communication has got much better, and my overall strength and confidence has grown immensely.”
Expanding our reach
Bristol Wellbeing College launched in 2014, followed by North Somerset Wellbeing College five years ago. In October 2024, Second Step expanded its reach with the launch of the South Gloucestershire Wellbeing College, followed in September 2025 by BSW Recovery College.
As part of this continued growth, we’ve been working alongside learners to create a refreshed look and feel across all the colleges. Inspired by a rainbow that reflects the many different journeys people take with their mental health, the new branding brings the colleges together under one shared identity, making them instantly recognisable to learners, partners and communities, while keeping the same trusted, person-centred approach at the heart of everything they do.
Senior Operations Manager, Chris Kinston, who oversees the Colleges, said, “We believe people deserve support that feels human, hopeful and practical. The colleges play a vital role in strengthening wellbeing across local communities, helping people build the confidence and coping strategies that reduce reliance on GPs or crisis support in the long term. They provide safe spaces where people can move forward at their own pace and learn, connect and grow.“
Each college produces a new prospectus every term, with sessions available to book online through the Second Step website. To find out more and view current prospectuses, visit www.second-step.co.uk/wellbeing-colleges/
