The Bristol Men’s Peer Support Group is a weekly informal and confidential space where men meet to talk, listen, and connect through shared conversation. It is a calm, supportive, environment where attendees choose what is discussed each week, with each person being able to open up about shared experiences due to the group managing the room entirely at their own pace.
· A male-led space that is open to men looking to talk with others who have similar experiences.
· Attendees set how the sessions are run, with it being supported by two trained facilitators.
· The group decides what topic is talked about each week, offering chances to hear different perspectives, share different or similar experiences and listen to others in a confidential and safe space.
· You choose what you want to say and when, making sure there is zero pressure and the conversation flows naturally.
First contact – Reach out to The Bridge by phone or email and let the team know you are interested in joining the weekly Men’s Peer Support Group.
Short introductory call – A group facilitator will contact you for a brief conversation that gives you a chance to ask questions, learn about how the meetings run, and decide if the group fits you.
Venue details – Once the introductory chat is complete, the facilitator gives you the address and arrival details.
First group meeting – When you attend your first meeting you get the chance to find out how the group works, and you can join in with the discussion or sit back and listen before you choose what you want to share.
Member-led – Walking into a room to discuss personal experiences for the first time can be challenging, so the group operates clear and straightforward rules that are developed by the group themselves.
Zero pressure – There is no requirement for you to share or discuss your own experiences or feelings about the topic being discussed, so it is fully respected and supported if you sit with a hot drink and listen to the group.
Changing conversations – The men in the room control the conversation and shape the general direction of what is discussed each week.
Support – Two facilitators that are trained in peer support attend every meeting, keeping the room grounded and respectful.
Total flexibility – You are welcome to join weekly, or take a break and return later with no questions asked.
Safe space – Make yourself a hot drink and join in with a frank conversation hosted in a comfortable, safe, and secure venue.
“I felt no pressure to share and this made me feel so much more comfortable to share when it felt appropriate.”
“A space to drop my shields and feel accepted by the group.”
“Warm and welcoming.”
“I’ve never not felt safe in the group.”
“Not as weird as you’d think!”
“All the staff have been so friendly and welcoming, and very kind. I was supported from the very first contact, and overall, could not have gone through the past few years without this wonderful service. A major asset to our NHS service, and one that I hope is able to reach as many individuals as need it.”
Wednesdays from 18:30 to 20:00
Location: Central Bristol (address provided after your introductory call)
0117 342 6999 thebridge@uhbw.nhs.uk
Starting in July 2024 with the support of Plymouth-based ‘Operation Emotion,’ who are a specialist male support charity. The group is supported by NHS clinical governance standards to ensure member safety, but it is designed to be a weekly run confidential, peer-led group that offers an informal gathering that is hosted in a calm, relaxed and safe space. The men who join are welcome to choose that is discussed, with it being open for all members to suggest different topics and talk about their personal experiences so that they can use peer-to-peer support a powerful tool to work through their own emotions and challenges. This way the group develops mutual respect for all that attend, allowing each member to offer shared experiences and support each other, especially if they are moving through challenging times that others have also experienced in the past.
All the staff have been so friendly and welcoming, and very kind. I was supported from the very first contact, and overall, could not have gone through the past few years without this wonderful service. A major asset to our NHS service, and one that I hope is able to reach as many individuals as need it.