Bristol Wellbeing College Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bristol Wellbeing College?

Bristol Wellbeing College provides free online and in-person workshops and courses for adults.

Our educational workshops teach tools, skills and techniques to help you take control of your mental wellbeing.

We create a safe and supportive learning environment, offering space for hope, shared knowledge, and social inclusion.

Every recovery journey is unique, so we offer different types of courses to suit different needs. We colour code our workshops and courses to help you choose the ones that are right for you. Please read about our colour codes before choosing your workshops and courses.

Please note, our workshops are not group therapy or group support; we teach tools, skills and strategies to help you take control of your mental wellbeing.

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Who can sign up to Bristol Wellbeing College?

Our service is available to anyone in Bristol aged 18+ who wants to improve their mental wellbeing.

We are also open to people living in North Somerset and South Gloucestershire who have accessed mental health services in Bristol.

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Does Bristol Wellbeing College offer counselling, therapy or group support?

Bristol Wellbeing College does not offer counselling or therapy. It is an educational service, offering tools and strategies to help you improve and look after your mental health and wellbeing in a safe learning environment.

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How do I sign up and book with Bristol Wellbeing College?

You can enrol and book via our website. You do not need to be referred. Fill in our online booking form here.

You can book as many or few workshops as you choose.

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What do the colour codes mean?

Everyone's recovery journey is different, and there's not necessarily an 'end' point. So, we have a unique colour coded system for our workshops and courses to help you choose the ones that feel right for you. The following descriptions are to help guide you in choosing, according to what feels most appropriate to you at this time:

• Green workshops are Lighter, one-off workshops offering an introduction into various ways to improve wellbeing. They are accessible to anyone, encouraging self-expression and self-care. Workshops involve techniques, activities, and ways to connect with our senses for developing a wellbeing toolkit.
• Blue workshops are more detailed one-off workshops that focus on making positive changes to habits, behaviours and lifestyle. Blue workshops support you to maintain positive change or take steps towards making a change. They are structured towards providing you with helpful tools and strategies.
• Pink courses involve in-depth topics running over a series of weeks. They encourage self-reflection, long-term planning and progression. Our courses provide an opportunity to share experiences and support each other. They also require commitment and a willingness to complete homework.

We are happy to help if you're unsure; just get in touch

Please note, our workshops are not group therapy or group support; we teach tools, skills and strategies to help you take control of your mental wellbeing.

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Do I have to pay for Bristol Wellbeing College workshops and courses?

All Bristol Wellbeing College workshops, courses and activities are free of charge.

Please note, our workshops are not group therapy or group support; we teach tools, skills and strategies to help you take control of your mental wellbeing.

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Where do Bristol Wellbeing College workshops take place?

We offer both online and in-person workshops and courses for mental health and wellbeing.

Our online sessions take place on Zoom video platform. We provide individual technical support.

Our in-person sessions take place in venues across Bristol. You can see which ones are closest to you during the booking process

There will usually be no more than 10 learners attending your workshop.

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Do I need to bring anything to my Bristol Wellbeing College workshop?

Please bring along your own pen and refreshment to our physical and online classrooms.

Please bring paper to jot down notes and ideas in our online classrooms. In our physical classrooms, you will be provided with a handbook to jot down notes and ideas.

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Do I need my camera/microphone on if I attend online?

You do not need your camera on in our Zoom classroom. However, we kindly ask you make sure you are identifiable, so we ask for contribution via the microphone or chat box to facilitate a safe and engaging group dynamic.

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What if I start feeling anxious/unwell during a session?

If you feel unwell or anxious in one of our classrooms, our tutors are here to help. We encourage you to let us know so we can try to help.

If you feel anxious or unwell in an in-person session, please ask for our attention and a tutor will talk to you in a quiet space.

If it is online and you feel you need to leave, we will check-in with you via a phone call after the workshop.

You are welcome to book onto the same workshop or course at another time.

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How do I cancel my Bristol Wellbeing College booking?

If you are not able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible. We will help you book onto the same workshop on another date and can offer your place to someone else.

Cancel via phone, text or email:

Phone: 0117 914 5498
Email: bristol.wellbeing.college@second-step.co.uk
Text: 07860 021130

If you’re cancelling because you’ve changed your mind about your chosen workshop, and would like to book onto a different workshop, read about our colour codes to help you decide which one is right for you.

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How do I find out about new Bristol Wellbeing College courses and workshops?

Find out more on our main webpage.

Or, get in touch and we’ll send you a printed prospectus.

Contact us by email bristol.wellbeing.college@second-step.co.uk, or phone 0117 914 5498

We also have a private Facebook group for our learners where you can get notified about new classes and timetables and chat with us and other Bristol Wellbeing College learners. Request to join our Bristol Wellbeing College Facebook group.

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Is Bristol Wellbeing College right for me if I support or care for someone with mental health issues?

Bristol Wellbeing College workshops and courses are designed for carers of people with mental health issues as well as those accessing mental health support. Explore our range of themes and topics to see which would be right for you. 

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I’m a GP or health professional, why should I refer my patient to Bristol Wellbeing College?

Bristol Wellbeing College is a free service offering solution focused, psychoeducation to adults experiencing mental health issues in the Bristol area. Anyone in wider BNSSG who has accessed mental support in Bristol is also welcome.

We seek to empower individuals to take control of their mental wellbeing by learning and practising tools, skills and strategies. Our material is based on scientific principles and written in collaboration with service users, as experts by experience, and professionals, as experts in their field.

Engagement can be coupled with clinical and therapeutic support (including Wellbeing Therapies - IAPT) and prescription medication.

Please feel free to get in touch to discuss further:

Email:  bristol.wellbeing.college@second-step.co.uk
Tel:  0117 914 5498

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I’m a GP or health professional, how do I refer a patient to Bristol Wellbeing College?

One of our tutors will contact your patient directly to discuss whether our service is suitable for them and help them choose the best workshops for them.

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I don’t live in Bristol, can I still sign up?

You can sign up if you live in North Somerset or South Gloucestershire and have received mental health support in Bristol.

For those who live in North Somerset, see North Somerset Wellbeing Service

For South Gloucestershire, see Southern Brooks.

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I have another question about Bristol Wellbeing College

Please get in touch and we will be happy to help:

Email: bristol.wellbeing.college@second-step.co.uk
Tel: 0117 914 5498

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