Mental Health Awareness Day: Putting Wellbeing at the Heart of Our Work

At Bristol Charities, we know that supporting people’s wellbeing is not a one-off campaign or a tick-box exercise. It is a long-term commitment, a marathon, not a sprint. Taking care of mental health means listening, learning, and responding to the needs of different people with patience, empathy, and dedication. And it also means recognising that there will always be more we can do, more we can learn, and more we can share. 

Wellbeing at Work 

Within our own team, we want colleagues to feel supported, valued, and able to bring their whole selves to work. This year we have: 

• Established a Wellbeing Group, exploring ideas and actions to strengthen support for staff.
• Appointed a dedicated trustee to ensure wellbeing remains a standing priority at board level.
• Invited open and honest discourse through a staff wellbeing survey, to learn directly from colleagues.
• Introduced wellbeing check-ins into one-to-ones, making space for personal as well as professional reflection.
• We have two Mental Health First Aiders and are exploring training opportunities for more staff.  

Wellbeing Across Our Work 

Our focus on wellbeing is not just internal. It extends across everything we do: 

• In our housing, where we aim to provide safe, secure, and supportive homes.
• In our community hubs, where people can connect, reduce isolation, and build confidence.
• At the Vassall Centre, where a vibrant community of tenants thrive in an inclusive environment.

Mental health awareness is part of our everyday practice, shaping how we listen, support, and work alongside the people and communities we serve. 

A Global Theme with Local Impact 

This year’s theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” It’s a reminder that whatever people are going through, whether personal struggles, wider crises, or collective challenges, everyone deserves the ability to protect and nurture their mental health. 

At Bristol Charities, we hold this belief at the core of our work. By committing to ongoing improvement, staying open to learning, and keeping wellbeing high on our agenda, we hope to play our part in creating a culture of fairness, care, and resilience, for our staff, tenants, and the wider Bristol community.