Bristol GPs mental health learning pilot extended

GPs from East and inner city Bristol have been offering their patients a chance to enrol on wellbeing sessions to help with their mental health problems since December.  This pilot project, involving 12 GP surgeries, has now been extended until August 2021. The sessions are run by Bristol Wellbeing College.

During February and March more than 100 people enrolled on our wellbeing sessions, with 50% of  signposted frthe GPs involved in this pilot.

Andy Warren, Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted with the take up, and it’s great that we’re extending the College’s remit into primary care. Currently our sessions and courses are only open to people who are using NHS mental health services in Bristol and their carers. It’s also great for GPs as it reduces pressure on them and helps keep people well and out of hospital.”

He added: “We’re really hopeful that the success of this pilot will mean we can extend the reach of our College further.”

Doctors can suggest people to enrol on the College sessions themselves, there’s no need for a formal referral. This is very much about people taking ownership of their mental health recovery.

Bristol Wellbeing College Learner, Sharon, and our Deputy Chief Executive, Andy, spoke about the pilot on BCB Radio Bristol. You can listen to the interviews here https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09c3qjm. Andy’s Interview is at 1:34:30 and Sharon is at 2:38:00.