News
December 2021
Friday 3rd December - Active Recovery Does Pottery Painting!
Friday 10th December - Wreath Making with Active Recovery!
We are getting into the festive spirit and have been wreath making with our Active Recovery Project! Here is an update from our Project Manager, Amy Derrick, about how the day went:
"It was a cold December afternoon when our members got together in a cosy café to try their hand at wreath making. We had some beautiful wreath kits to use and the results were fabulous. Add in cake and hot chocolate and it was a fantastic afternoon. We enjoyed chatting and creating, and had a moment of time together away from everything else going on in the world and our lives".
We know that the festive season can be challenging for all sorts of reasons, so the Southmead Project Team would like you to know that we will be thinking of you and wishing you all the best over the next few weeks.
If you would like anymore information about our Active Recovery Project, please contact Amy on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com
February 2022
Thursday 3rd February - Annual Report
Our latest annual report has arrived! Please click here to read about the fantastic work that we have been doing over the past year and the impact that it has had on our clients.
If you would like to see past copies of our annual reports, please go to our Annual Reports page here.
Thank you for taking an interest in our work and for your ongoing support.
The Southmead Project Team
January 2022
Friday 7th January - Creative Craft Kits
We started the year by sending out some creative craft packs in the post. Our Project Manager, Amy, took on the role of a late Christmas elf and delivered some packs in person to our members’ doorsteps. It was a nice and gentle way to start the year and great to meet people who hadn't been to an in-person group yet.
If you are a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and you are interested in joining, please contact Amy Derrick on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
Friday 17th December - Our Trip to the Zoo!
Our Active Recovery members decided on a trip to the zoo as so many of them love animals!
Our Project Manager, Amy, said:
“I’m not exaggerating when I say that this trip felt truly magical. There was something about being together with all these amazing creatures surrounding us. Taking the time to really pause and look at them, learn about them and wonder what they were thinking and feeling too. The sounds of the lions’ roars were incredible and there was a baby sloth! Luckily the weather was our friend that day and we didn’t get rained on. It was a bit cold though, so we warmed up with hot chocolates!”
If you are a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and you are interested in joining the activities, you can get in touch with Amy for more details on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
Friday 14th January - Needle Felting with Active Recovery!
On a very dreary and cold January day we cheered ourselves up with a Crafternoon at a cosy café. This time our Active Recovery members tried out needle felting. Some members loved it and thought outside the box to create their own projects. For others, the activity wasn’t for them, but it was nice to be together anyway and the coffee was good!
Our lovely Support Worker, Saara, who comes to every group, felt that needle felting was not her favourite activity! One of the aims of Active Recovery is to give our members the opportunity to try new things, and it is fantastic when our members give things a go.
If you are a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and are interested in joining, please contact Amy Derrick on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
Friday 21st January - Pebble painting!
We had another January Crafternoon with our Active Recovery members, which was painting pebbles this time. Our members had loads of great ideas and we used paints and pens to make different and creative designs.
The pebbles can be used as decoration or as an object to help with grounding, whenever our members feel like they need to come back into their bodies and connect with their five senses.
If you are a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and are interested in joining the activities, you can get in touch with Amy for more details on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
Friday 28th January - Vision Boards with Active Recovery!
For the final Active Recovery session in January we spent a couple of hours creating vision boards for 2022. Our Support Worker, Saara, explained what Vision Boards are:
“A Vision Board is a visual picture of the things you want to have in your life. You are able to see new ways to achieve the things you want in your life by focusing your mind. Our vision boards were collages of images and words cut from magazines that represented our goals and dreams. It was a creative process and a powerful visualisation tool that helped us narrow down our wishes through the power of choice.”
We came together at the end to look at each others’ boards and it was quite a moving to see the powerful intentions that our incredible group of members had chosen from themselves.
If you are a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and would like to join, please contact Amy for more details on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
Friday 4th February - Collage Art Workshop
Our Active Recovery members took part in our first of five art workshops with a local artist and qualified art therapist. This week’s session focused on the technique of collage, and we lost ourselves in the process. Members reflected on how much they enjoyed this time for themselves, to learn something new and connect with others. The finished pieces of art were incredible!
If you are a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and are interested in joining the activities, you can get in touch with Amy for more details on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
Friday 11th February - Printing Art Workshop
At our second art workshop session, our Active Recovery members tried two different techniques of printing - monoprinting and printing with styrofoam. We really enjoyed experimenting with what kinds of marks and effects we could create.
Members commented that with styrofoam printing there was no way to rub out or correct ‘mistakes’, and so it was a process of trying to accept what we made. The artist working with us is interested in how what we see as ‘mistakes’ can actually end up being the most interesting parts. In fact, when we gathered round at the end to have a look at everyone’s incredible art work, it was interesting that many people commented on a particular piece that they loved which had an ethereal quality, like trees in the mist. It turned out that this one had been a ‘mistake’, but everyone could see the beauty in it.
If you are a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and would like to join, please contact Amy for more details on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
December 2022
Thursday 8th December 2022 - Wreath Making with Active Recovery
Our Active Recovery members had a great time making some beautiful Christmas wreaths at our latest activity!
If you are (or were) a client of the Southmead Project and would like to join our activities, please email Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
January 2023
Friday 27th January 2023 - Active Recovery visits the M-Shed!
Our Active Recovery members recently visited the M-Shed and went to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition! They enjoyed a chilled out afternoon with each other.
Please contact us if you are, or have been, a client of the Southmead Project and would like to join on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
September 2022
Friday 16th September 2022 - Team Strategy Day!
We had a whole team day to discuss our strategy and direction of the charity's work. It was wonderful to all get together and have some social time afterwards with tea and cake!
Friday 9th December 2022 - Team Christmas Meal!
We had a lovely Christmas meal out together and enjoyed spending time with the team.
Thank you to everyone for their fantastic work over 2022!
Monday 9th January 2023 - Pre-counselling Groups start all year round!
We are delighted to have started running pre-counselling groups all year round! These will support people on our waiting list for counselling. Our two group facilitators will be holding groups for up to 8 people that run across 8 weeks each.
For more information, please see the above leaflet or read more on our website here.
February 2023
Wednesday 1st February 2023 - New Annual Report
Here is a copy of our latest annual report for 2020-21! Please feel free to read about how our services developed and what we achieved in this year.
If you would like to read any of our previous annual reports, please find them on our website here.
Thank you for taking an interest in our work!
Friday 3rd February 2023 - Cooking with Active Recovery!
Our Active Recovery members had a fantastic session this week cooking a delicious curry and lime and coconut muffins! Thank you to the Square Food Foundation for making it so enjoyable (and the yummy food to take away!)
If you are interested in becoming an Active Recovery member, you just need to be a current or past client of the Southmead Project. Please contact Amy for more information on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Thursday 23rd February 2023 - We are recruiting!
We are recruiting for volunteers! We have vacancies on our Board of Trustees and our Active Recovery Project.
There is no requirement to have previous experience as a trustee and we will provide a full induction and training.
If you would like to join our fantastic team, please see these opportunities here:
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Volunteers for our Active Recovery Project (please click here), which closes on Tuesday 7th March at 9am.
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Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees (please click here), which closes on Friday 17th March at 5pm.
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Trustees to join our board (please click here), which has a closing deadline of Friday 31st March at 5pm.
If you would like any further information about these roles, or for an informal chat, please contact us on admin@southmeadproject.com or 0117 9506022.
Thank you for your interest in our work!
March 2023
Friday 10th March 2023 - Clay Workshop with Active Recovery!
Our Active Recovery members enjoyed taking part in a clay workshop and here is some of their beautiful work! They had a relaxing time getting creative, which was expertly guided by a local Bristol artist and sculptor.
If you are a current or past client of the Southmead Project and would like to join, please contact Amy on activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Friday 17th March 2023 - Visit to Noah's Ark!
Our Active Recovery members recently visited Noah's Ark! They had a relaxing time, chatting and admiring the different animals.
If you would like to join, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Friday 24th March 2023 - Itajime Shibori Fabric Dyeing with Active Recovery!
We had our first member-led activity this week learning Itajime Shibori fabric dyeing skills! Here are some of their wonderful designs. Our members are a fantastic bunch of people with all kinds of interests and skills, and we feel privileged to be able to create a safe and welcoming space to share creative ideas with one another.
Please contact us on activerecovery@southmeadproject.com if you would like to join!
We went axe-throwing and had an archery session with Mojo Active! Our Active Recovery members had a great time despite the rain. We enjoyed learning new skills and connecting with our inner warriors!
If you would like to join Active Recovery, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Friday 31st March 2023 - Active Recovery's Axe-throwing and Archery Session!
April 2023
Wednesday 19th April 2023 - Gardening with Active Recovery!
Wednesday 26th April 2023 - Active Recovery Goes Foraging!
Our Active Recovery members went foraging again with Healing Weeds, this time finding out about the wonders that Spring can bring. It was fascinating!
It was great to be out and using our senses in the fresh air. We were lucky with some sunshine, and only got hailed on the once...!
Please contact Amy if you would like to join by emailing: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Gardening can help with wellbeing and our Active Recovery members got together to garden and drink tea (and eat cake!)
They made these little tea cup and tin planters and planted this gorgeous pot for our garden area at the Southmead Project office for our wonderful clients to see - "You've come to the right place" and "Keep going, keep growing".
If you are a current or past client of the Southmead Project and would like to join, please email Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
May 2023
Friday 19th May 2023 - Rowing with All Aboard!
Wednesday 31st May 2023 - Acrylic Pours Session Led by our Active Recovery Member
In the warmer months our Active Recovery members head to Bristol Harbour to get on the water with All Aboard. All Aboard is a local charity that aims to make water sports accessible for everyone.
We have a real mix of people at our sessions - some people can't wait to get in a boat and feel comfortable on the water, whereas others haven't been on a boat in years (or ever) and are more apprehensive. Everyone is welcome and we take it slowly - there's no pressure for anybody to do anything that they aren't comfortable with. Our lovely All Aboard instructors expertly adapt the sessions so our members with all different strengths and mobility can come away feeling happy and connected.
We recently went rowing, which our members thoroughly enjoyed! If you would like more information or are interested in joining, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
This week one of our brilliant members ran our Active Recovery session! They shared their wonderful skill of doing acrylic pours and we are so grateful to them.
We had an absolute blast getting creative (and messy!) Here is some of the beautiful work that our members did.
Please email Amy if you have any queries about Active Recovery or would like to join on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
June 2023
Monday 5th June 2023 - Printmaking at the Arnolfini!
Our Active Recovery members recently enjoyed a printmaking session with a qualified art therapist and artist, in the calming and inspiring Arnolfini. We had a great time!
If you would like to join, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com
Friday 9th June - Team Summer Social!
We had a fun summer get together with our team and trustees on Bristol harbourside!
We tried kayaking and paddleboarding like our Active Recovery members do during the summer months. It was a lovely way to socialise and celebrate altogether!
Thank you to All Aboard for a wonderful afternoon.
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Thursday 15th June - Katakanuing!
Wednesday 21st June - Postal Activity with Active Recovery
Friday 30th June - Cooking Activity!
Our Active Recovery members have had a couple of sunny sessions recently at the harbourside. We have been Katakanuing, which is like two canoes stuck together side-by-side. It was lovely to float along, paddle and chat, while enjoying seeing Bristol from a different perspective.
If you would like to join Active Recovery or for more information, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
We recently sent a little package of joy through the letter boxes of our Active Recovery members! We occasionally do postal activities so that everyone can try these at home. This time we did a Cyanotype kit, making art using sunshine.
We hope that our members spend some peaceful moments outside, noticing shapes and patterns, and creating art with them. Look at the results of these using things like sea weed!
For more information about Active Recovery, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
This week we were back at the Square Food Foundation and our Active Recovery members cooked up a storm! They made the most delicious tray bake, fresh green salad and decadent chocolate brownies.
They have a lovely garden there and we picked fresh ingredients to add to our culinary masterpieces!
If you are interested in joining Active Recovery, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
July 2023
Our first Active Recovery newsletter is here!
We wanted to share all of the exciting things that we have been doing this month and what there is coming up! Please find a copy of our newsletter here.
If you would like any more information about Active Recovery, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Thursday 27th July - Active Recovery Newsletter!
August 2023
Friday 18th August 2023 - Summer Walk in Snuff Mills
We recently went on a lovely walk at Snuff Mills with our Active Recovery members. We chatted, watched dragonflies flutter, ate the most ENORMOUS ice creams and picked blackberries - summery bliss!
We hold these types of sessions once a month, which don't cost lots of money or take lots of organisation so that it is easier for our members to replicate them in their own time. This can help people to explore new parts of Bristol on their own or together.
If you would like more information about Active Recovery, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Thursday 24th August 2023 - Our Latest Annual Report Is Here!
Our Annual Report for 2022-23 is here! If you would like to see the services we have offered over the past year and the impact they have had, please click here to download a copy of it.
Thank you for taking an interest in our work!
Our Active Recovery members recently went on another foraging session with the fantastic Maria from Healing Weeds - Foraging and Herbal Medicine.
The sun shone as we learnt about natural remedies in the world around us and gathered together to make an infusion. It tasted pleasantly earthy and green. What a special afternoon with lovely people!
If you would like more information about Active Recovery, please email Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Thursday 31st August 2023 - Foraging with Active Recovery!
September 2023
Wednesday 6th September 2023 - Cooking with the Square Food Foundation!
We had a wonderful session at Square Food again recently with our Active Recovery members. This fantastic organisation ran a cooking workshop (trauma-informed of course) and we cooked up a storm.
On the menu was jerk chicken or tofu, and a delicious apple and almond cake. They even have a very productive (and impressively weed free) garden and we picked tomatoes straight from the vine to make a super fresh salsa. Absolutely delicious!
Please contact Amy if you would like more information about Active Recovery on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
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Thursday 14th September 2023 - Summer Active Recovery Newsletter!
Our summer Active Recovery newsletter is here! If you would like to read about what we have been up to and the fun activities our members have taken part in, please see our newsletter here.
Thank you for taking an interest in our work!
Friday 15th September 2023 - Gig-rowing!
We had a lovely afternoon with our Active Recovery members on the harbour, trying out gig-rowing or having a ride on a motorboat. In a gig boat there are six rowers, each with one oar, and a cox who steers the boat. Gig boats are traditional boats from Cornwall and are very stable as they're normally used in the sea off the Cornish coasts.
It can be tricky to get the hang of gig-rowing straightaway, so we take it slowly and gently. Some of our members enjoyed a motorboat ride instead of rowing (we tailor all of our activities so that they are accessible for everyone) and a couple tried driving our motorboat around, which was far more responsive than we had anticipated(!)
If you would like to join Active Recovery, or for more information, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
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Thursday 21st September 2023 - Collage Workshop
Our Active Recovery members met with Colin the artist at the Arnolfini again this week. We had a look round the 'Threads' exhibition and used it as inspiration for our collaging workshop.
We love how different all of the art was - our members are so creative!
Please contact Amy if you would like more information about Active Recovery by emailing: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Monday 25th September 2023 - Harbourside Walk
Our Active Recovery members suggested that we could do a harbourside walk this week and combine it with getting some fish and chips. This was one of our more chilled out sessions this month where we do an activity that members can do themselves, without spending lots of money.
It was raining heavily, and thunder and lightning the day before, so we didn't expect lots of people to join us. Our lovely members came out though and we were rewarded with some beautiful sunshine (and a bit of rain!) We meandered gently along the harbour, discussed history, went on The Matthew, ate fish and chips, completed part of a treasure hunt, found a geo cache and finally sheltered in the M Shed when the inevitable rain appeared.
It was lovely to be tourists in our own city. Bristol, we love you!
Our Active Recovery members went gig-rowing again recently! Being able to try out activities more than once can build people's confidence and allow them to feel more relaxed and comfortable at our groups.
We were so impressed with how oar-some they are!
If you would like to join or for more information, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Friday 29th September 2023 - Gig-rowing!
October 2023
Thursday 5th October - Active Recovery Newsletter!
If you would like to see what we have been getting up to in Active Recovery during September, please see our latest newsletter here!
For further information or if you are interested in joining, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Thursday 26th October - Foraging and S'mores with Active Recovery!
Our Active Recovery members are a hardy bunch, and, undeterred by the weather forecast of rain, had a great session foraging (with the help of a handy gazebo to shelter in when there were heavy downpours). We made a tea with our foraging finds and called it our Fiercely Compassionate tea, as it is linked to the Hawthorn berries we foraged and compassion is one of the key foundations of our Active Recovery groups. We also felt pretty fierce out in the elements so it seemed fitting. It was wonderful to share knowledge and learn a bit more about the plants around us. We finished up by toasting marshmallows on a fire and even made s'mores. Delicious!
If you are a current or past client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and would like to join, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
November 2023
Our latest Active Recovery newsletter is here! If you would like to read about the activities that we have been doing this Autumn and the latest updates from the Active Recovery team, please see October's newsletter here.
Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like any more information about Active Recovery, please email Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Our latest Active Recovery newsletter is here! If you would like to read about the activities that we have been doing this November and the latest updates from the Active Recovery team, please see November's newsletter here.
Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like any more information about Active Recovery, please email Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Active Recovery members spent a cosy afternoon at The Forge making some beautiful festive wreaths. This time of year can be hard for many people, so we took the time to connect and reclaim the festive season on our own terms
If you are a current or past client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and would like to join, please contact Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
December 2023
Thursday 31st November 2023 - Active Recovery Newsletter!
Tuesday 8th December 2023 - Wreath Making Workshop!
February 2024
Tuesday 30th January 2024 - Active Recovery Newsletter!
Our latest Active Recovery newsletter is here! If you would like to read about the activities that we have been doing this January and the latest updates from the Active Recovery team, please see January's newsletter here.
Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like any more information about Active Recovery, please email Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
January 2024
Tuesday 29th February 2024 - Active Recovery Newsletter!
Our latest Active Recovery newsletter is here! If you would like to read about the activities that we have been doing this February and the latest updates from the Active Recovery team, please see February's newsletter here.
Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like any more information about Active Recovery, please email Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
March 2024
Friday 29th March 2024 - Active Recovery Newsletter!
Our latest Active Recovery newsletter is here! If you would like to read about the activities that we have been doing this March and the latest updates from the Active Recovery team, please see March's newsletter here.
Thank you for your interest in our work. If you would like any more information about Active Recovery, please email Amy on: activerecovery@southmeadproject.com.
Our Active Recovery members visited a pottery painting café and had lots of fun getting creative and trying out different painting techniques. The finished results were marvellous! The activities we try at our Active Recovery sessions are all ideas from our members themselves, and pottery painting came top in one of our recent votes - it was a great choice!
If you are interested in joining our Active Recovery team, please contact Amy on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com
November 2021
Friday 19th November - Yoga with Active Recovery
Our Active Recovery members took part in some gentle and trauma-informed yoga classes with Bristol Yoga Roots Project. We found sanctuary together in a fairy-light lit studio and found out how yoga could help us connect with our bodies and our feelings. Our expert yoga teacher invited us to think about a different theme at each session, such as kindness and honesty. We enjoyed stretching and moving through some 'sun salutations' and had some time afterwards to hang out together in the cafe with delicious hot drinks.
If you would like some more information about our Active Recovery sessions, please contact Amy on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com
Monday 29th November - Sexual Violence and Abuse Health Research Network Day
We thoroughly enjoyed attending the Sexual Violence and Abuse Health Research Network Day, which was hosted by The Green House. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear insightful speeches and network, and we very much look forward to attending next year!
Thursday 25th November - 16 Days of Activism
Today is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, where we are standing together with other organisations to help end violence against women and girls.
As part of Next Link's candlelit vigil, we are remembering and thinking of those who have been affected by domestic and sexual abuse, and stand alongside Next Link in our commitment to end violence against women and girls.
October 2021
Friday 8th October - Active Recovery Fun at The Wave!
Our Active Recovery members were back for their fourth trip to The Wave! This time more members who had watched on previous occasions had built up the confidence to get in the water and give it a go. They started on land, learning surfing techniques with the friendly instructor, and then took to the waves to practice. Everyone splashed about, caught some waves and had a lot of fun. There was no pressure for members to do anything other than enjoy themselves. Afterwards, everyone joined together to chat, eat and watch the waves. They fed back that they had a great time together and left feeling much better than when they arrived.
One member said:
"[It was] a fabulous day! These sessions really really lift my spirits. Thanks for organising these days. They are amazing! I am just about to leave and have loved watching the waves for the past hour!"
If you are interested in joining Active Recovery and are a current or past client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy, please email Amy (our Project Manager) on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
September 2021
Thursday 30th September - Active Recovery visits the SS Great Britain
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This week it was too windy to row so our Active Recovery members took a stroll around the harbourside instead. They saw Banksy’s 'The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum' and had a warming coffee, before heading aboard the SS Great Britain.
Our Project Manager, Amy Derrick, said they they could have spent hours there - there was so much to see and learn. They also enjoyed having a different perspective by standing on the deck, instead of rowing past the SS Great Britain. The tickets last for a year, so our members can go back another time to explore.
If you would like to join and are a current or past client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy, please contact Amy on amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
Tuesday 28th September - Team Get Together
Thursday 16th September - Gig-rowing with Active Recovery!
We had a team get together in person for the first time in 18 months! It was wonderful to catch up with one another and finally meet some of the team who have joined the Southmead Project since the pandemic.
Thank you so much to all of our fantastic staff and trustees for making the work we do possible.
Our Active Recovery members came together to experience gig rowing. Here is an update of the activity from our Project Manager, Amy Derrick:
"It was a fantastic way to enjoy gentle exercise and feel that connection with each other, while singing sea shanties and whatever else came into our heads!
There’s something about the water - being on it, near it, in tune with it - the feeling afterwards is hard to describe. One of our members said they felt ‘lighter and refreshed and peaceful’. What a cracking way to spend an afternoon in the beautiful September sunshine in our lovely city."
If you are a current or past client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy, please contact Amy Derrick for more information and details on how you can join on amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com
August 2021
Wednesday 18th August - Active Recovery visits Westfield Farm!
Our Active Recovery members recently escaped the city and headed to the countryside for some stunning views and fresh air at Westfield Farm. They enjoyed exploring and had a campfire with cups of tea and toasted marshmallows.
One of our members described the experience beautifully:
"I had an absolutely marvellous time today - could have spent days with everyone. Such a fantastic space to be - refreshing, invigorating, in touch with a special group of individuals. So much wisdom, honesty and teaching. Really felt connected with one another. We became a tribe of support and safety for each other. The environment was perfect - we are a wonderful group of people sharing unity and togetherness. Active Recovery inspires that through surviving encounters that at one time in our lives seemed unbearable, [which] can bring us to a feeling of peace, joy and happiness to value each other's company, their ideologies and express those with one another. A shared joyfulness. Would enjoy going again to Westfield Farm for sure, next time for longer than 2 hours as the time went so quickly, there was so much to take in. Listening and watching the gentleman with his scythe, the experience of connecting around an open fire pit toasting marshmallows. True knowing that we assist each other in our healing journey. So much food for thought I'm fat in this good life full of gratitude".
If you are a current or past client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and would like to join, please contact Amy on amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com for further information.
July 2021
Monday 26th July - Update regarding face-to-face counselling and support services
We are extremely pleased to be able to use all of our counselling rooms once again at the Southmead Project since Public Health England's restrictions around COVID have eased. We are now welcoming more clients into our building for sessions in person and have more staff working from the office. We are also mindful of taking as many precautions as possible to ensure that our building stays COVID-secure and to keep everyone safe. Please see this Client Guidance document for details of the measures we are taking and how we are asking clients to support us.
Our waiting list for face-to-face counselling has re-opened for people to access up to 24 sessions. We will continue to offer clients a choice of either face-to-face, online or phone counselling for both our long-term and Nexus counselling clients.
Our Nexus counsellor has resumed counselling in person at different outreach locations across Bristol, such as Bristol Drugs Project, One25 and Wick House, as well offering sessions at the Southmead Project and remotely.
We have run two pre-counselling groups online since the pandemic and will continue to offer more groups throughout the year to support clients on our waiting list.
Our Family Support Group resumed its weekly sessions in person on Wednesdays at 7.00pm-9.00pm. If you support someone who has an addiction to drugs or alcohol or are affected by someone else's addiction, please contact us if you would like more information on: admin@southmeadproject.com
Our Active Recovery Project continues to offer fortnightly community-based activity sessions in person. This is open to current or past clients of the Southmead Project or Kinergy. Please see our News page for details of the latest activities and feel free to contact Amy here for details of how to join.
Many thanks,
The Southmead Project Team
Friday 23rd July - Visit to Golden Hill Community Garden!
Our Active Recovery members had a great time at Golden Hill Community Garden! It was very relaxed and in a peaceful, calming and natural space. They made mini garden projects to take home and enjoyed chilling out in the community garden with each other.
One of our lovely members said: "A welcome cuppa, plant, coffee and cake. Helping each other, conversation and understanding. I am enjoying being in my own garden and have the plants to care for on the window sills to remind me. What a wonderful memento of a few hours with Active Recovery. I have realised I like gardening! [I am] discovering so much about myself through survival of trauma."
If you are a current or past client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and would like to join, please contact Amy on amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com for further information.
Monday 19th July - Active Recovery visits the Wave!
Our Active Recovery members recently took a trip to The Wave! Please see this update from Amy Derrick, our Project Manager:
"Our members who surfed thought it was fantastic, and would have stayed surfing forever if they could. They were helped to learn the ropes by the friendly and encouraging instructors. We were in awe of how they caught wave after wave and took to it like ducks to water.
Some of our other members came to spectate and relax outside with the sound of crashing waves. It reminded us of holidays by the sea. We had a great time and are enjoying getting to know each other and bond, after so many months of not being able to meet face-to-face".
New members of Active Recovery are always welcome! If you are a client or former client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and think that you might like to get involved, please contact Amy Derrick at: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
June 2021
24th June 2021 - Active Recovery Sailing and Harbourside Picnic
Our Active Recovery members enjoyed learning to sail and having a picnic on the harbourside last week!
We were in awe of them each sailing their own boat, some for the first time, and had a great time hanging out, trying something new and chatting.
If you would like to join, and are (or were) a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy, please contact Amy on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com
14th June 2021 - Men's Health Week
This week is Men's Health Week and we want to raise awareness of the specialist counselling and support that we provide to people of all genders, including men. We support people who live in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BANES and North Somerset.
If you are a male survivor of any type of abuse and would like support, please contact us on: admin@southmeadproject.com
May 2021
10th May 2021 - Mental Health Awareness Week
It is Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 and the theme this year is 'Connect with Nature'. We hope that you can take some time for yourself to look after your own wellbeing and to enjoy connecting with the outdoors.
5th May 2021 - Active Recovery Gig-rowing
Our fantastic Active Recovery members enjoyed gig-rowing again this week! Our Project Manager, Amy Derrick, has given this update:
"We had such an amazing gig-rowing session on Wednesday. We got absolutely soaked in an unexpected hail storm! It sounds terrible but actually enhanced the experience. We were laughing and joking and even singing - lots of rain themed songs. The rowing instructors, Tim and Kay, were so calm and kind. It felt really exhilarating and we were so proud of ourselves and our team work when we got off the boat. We hadn't all met together before but it felt like we had a bond afterwards. We warmed up with hot chocolates and more laughter. All the anxiety in the lead up (totally normal and expected) had floated away when we were on the water."
And here is some feedback from our wonderful participants about how it went:
"I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Your preparation and enthusiasm helped make the day go so well. Rain, wind and hail didn't stop our little group from bobbing about on the water. We synchronized our strokes and learnt when to stick our oars in! I'd certainly do it again and look forward to other activities. No need for worries as things went so smoothly. Hot drinks were very appreciated. We all rose to the challenge and exceeded ourselves. I'm glad I took part."
"A wonderful day - even the unexpected weather made it so enjoyable. Thanks to Southmead Project there is life and fun and freedom and enjoyment and connection and joy after trauma - we just need to grasp it."
April 2021
21st April 2021 - Active Recovery Water Sports!
Our water sport activities are back as part of our Active Recovery Project!
We enjoyed gig-rowing on the harbourside with participants last week and are looking forward to the upcoming water sports we have planned for this summer.
If you are or were a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and would like to join, please contact Amy on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com
March 2021
19th March 2021 - Active Recovery Art Project!
Our Active Recovery members are receiving art packs in the post this week. They are collaborating to make a joint piece of art to celebrate their resilience and journey over the past few months.
Would you like to get involved? Please contact Amy Derrick on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com
February 2021
2nd February 2021 - Domestic Abuse Support Information
It is important for survivors of abuse to know that they are not alone and that there is support available for them.
Avon and Somerset Police have put this information together so that survivors of domestic abuse know who they can contact in their local area and which organisations can help.
The Southmead Project provides support for people who have experienced any type of abuse, including domestic abuse. Please contact us on: admin@southmeadproject.com to make a referral or for more information about our services.
1st to 7th February 2021 - Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week
This week is Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week. We want to share the message that #ItsNotOk and to #EndSexualViolence, which you can help us with by joining the conversation on social media and using these hashtags.
The last year has been particularly tough for survivors throughout the pandemic, and we want to support people to come forward and access the support they need.
We are offering up to 24 sessions of online and phone counselling. If you would like to make a referral, please contact us on: admin@southmeadproject.com
January 2021
28th January 2021 - Active Recovery Nature Journals!
Our Active Recovery participants will soon be receiving personalised nature journals in the post! We will be taking a moment to pause and notice the little things, and share what we spot with each other.
Please see this video from Amy, our Project Manager, for more information.
If you would like to join and are a current or past client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy, you'd be very welcome. Please contact Amy on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
22nd January 2021 - Our Latest Annual Report Is Here!
The Southmead Project's Annual Report for 2019-20 has arrived and can be downloaded here.
If you would like to see past copies of our Annual Reports, please feel free to have a look at them on our Annual Reports page here.
We hope that you enjoy reading about our work and thank you for your support!
4th January 2021 - Darren's Epic Challenge Completed!
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On Christmas Eve, Darren Parnell completed an epic challenge of 100 miles of swimming, cycling, running and rowing for the Southmead Project!
Darren's efforts raised £1,917 to support our work, which is £2,417 with matched giving!
Thank you so much Darren for such an incredible achievement! We are incredibly grateful for everything that you have done to support us and raise awareness of our work.
Here is a video of Darren just after he had finished the challenge!
December 2020
19th December - Happy Christmas and Christmas Helplines
We would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and restful break ahead!
We know this is a difficult time of year for many people and we will be thinking of you.
Here are some helpline numbers that you can contact:
* The Samaritans: 116 123 (Open 24/7)
* The Survivors Trust: 08088 010 818 (Christmas opening hours: https://thesurvivorstrust.eu.rit.org.uk/contact)
* Mindline: 0808 808 0330 (free to call) open every day from 7-11pm
* Bristol Mental Health: 0300 555 0334 (free to call) and open 24/7, 365 days a year (if you are experiencing mental health crisis and require immediate emotional and practical support).
18th December - Active Recovery Wreath Making!
Our Active Recovery participants have enjoyed getting creative and making some winter wreaths!
We understand the festive season can be tough for all sorts of reasons, so it has been good to have the opportunity for some peaceful time out.
If you are, or were, a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and would like to join, please contact Amy on: amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com
16th December - Kieran Batty's Ironman 70.3 Challenge!
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Kieran Batty for completing an Ironman 70.3 challenge to raise funding and awareness for the Southmead Project! We are so honoured to have such committed, kind and generous supporters like yourself.
The challenge was meant to take place in Taupo, but unfortunately this was not possible due to Covid-19. Instead, Kieran has gone ahead with it remotely, and we thoroughly appreciate the lengths that you have gone to especially in these winter months.
Thank you so much for helping to make our work possible!
10th December - Happy Human Rights Day!
Today we are celebrating Human Rights Day! The theme this year is 'recover better' and is related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on the need to build back better by ensuring that human rights are central to recovery efforts.
The pandemic has affected each and every one of us, and we recognise the impact in particular that it is having on survivors of abuse and the increased reports of domestic and sexual abuse.
Please see further information here about Human Rights Day: https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day
9th December 2020 - 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
In support of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we stand with Next Link, a fantastic organisation that supports survivors of domestic abuse.
We are remembering all those who have lost their lives and been affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. We will continue to support survivors of all types of abuse, particularly with the increase in reporting of domestic and sexual abuse as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdown measures.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign starts on 25th November each year, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10th December, Human Rights Day. The international campaign calls for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls around the world.
For further information, please see here: https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/take-action/16-days-of-activism
1st December 2020 - Puzzle Post for Active Recovery Participants!
Our Active Recovery Project Manager, Amy Derrick, has been busy sending little packs of fun to our participants! Each participant has received a creative project that they will send to another participant in the post. This is a great way to have fun and stay connected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please see this video that Amy has put together!
If you are a current or past client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy, you are welcome to join in! Please contact Amy on amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
November 2020
24th November 2020 - Darren Parnell's Epic Christmas Eve Challenge!
Thank you so much to Darren Parnell who is completing an epic challenge to raise awareness of the Southmead Project's work and to help raise funds for our services!
One month today he will do:
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2 mile swim (open water)
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60 mile cycle
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6 mile run
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26 miles rowing (rowing machine)
This is a tremendous feat and Darren also has a target of £1,000 to reach, so we hope that we can help get him there! Please share this Just Giving link as widely as possible and donate if you can: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/darren-parnell2
Thank you Darren!
9th November 2020 - Donate through Amazon Smile!
3rd November 2020 - Meeting with Deputy PCC John Smith
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We have registered with Amazon Smile so that we can receive donations from Amazon for free. Please support us by choosing the Southmead Project and they will donate to us while you shop! This will cost you nothing and means that Amazon will donate 0.5% of the net purchase price of eligible purchases to us, which will make a big difference.
Please follow this link to register: https://smile.amazon.co.uk
We would be most grateful if you could forward this link to anyone who might be interested in supporting us.
Thank you and happy shopping!
We met last week with Deputy PCC John Smith and discussed the impact that lockdown has had on survivors, including how isolation can replicate the trauma that clients have experienced.
Please see this interesting article here which mentions our work and how we have been supporting clients throughout the pandemic.
October 2020
10th October 2020 - World Mental Health Day
It is World Mental Health Day and we hope that you can take some time to look after your own mental health.
It can be hard to speak out but remember that there are helplines available to support you:
* The Samaritans on 116 123 (open 24/7)
* Mind on 0808 808 0300 (open every day 7pm to 11pm)
* The Survivors Trust on 0808 801 0818 (open Monday to Friday 10am to 8.30pm, Saturday 10am to 12.30pm, 1.30pm to 4.30pm & 6pm to 8.30pm, and Sunday 1.30pm to 4.30pm & 6pm to 8.30pm)
8th October 2020 - Gig Rowing Fun!
Our latest gig rowing activity on the harbourside was so much fun! It was brilliant to feel connected as a team and to have a great time together on the water!
If you would like to join our Active Recovery project and take part in community-based activities that will help build your confidence and peer support networks, please contact Amy on amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com
September 2020
23rd September 2020 - Gig Rowing on the Harbourside!
We had a fantastic time gig rowing with our Active Recovery participants on the harbourside!
Our Project Manager, Amy Derrick, has shared this update:
"Gig rowing was so much fun! We didn't know quite what to expect, but it was just fantastic. Being on the water is relaxing and it was amazing to feel like a team and be in beautiful surroundings. The instructor is very encouraging and went at our pace, so nothing was rushed and we could take our time. There was no pressure to do anything we didn't want to do and participants could be a passenger in the boat if they didn't think rowing was suitable for them. The Active Recovery members are lovely, kind and friendly, so if you would like to join we will all support one another and have a lovely time."
If you would like to join our fun community-based activities and are, or were, a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy, please contact Amy on amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
16th September 2020 - Kayaking with Active Recovery!
Our second Active Recovery session was kayaking along the harbourside! We had such a fun time with our participants and are thoroughly enjoying getting out and about and learning new skills!
Please contact Amy Derrick on amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com if you are or were a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and you'd like to join!
14th September 2020 - And we're back!
August 2020
10th August 2020 - Support Worker Needed for Active Recovery Project
9th September 2020 - Harbourside fun with Active Recovery!
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We had our first Covid-secure activity on the harbourside this week and had fun learning how to sail!
Please see this update from our Active Recovery Project Manager, Amy Derrick:
"We had a great time sailing on Bristol's beautiful harbour. We were all quite nervous as none of us had ever sailed a boat before but we needn't have been. The boats were so easy to sail and we were gliding along straight away. We all felt a sense of calm on the water and it was very relaxing.
It was good to know that Sophie, our brilliant Support Worker and counsellor, was on the shore and ready to give us support if need be. We took the sailing at our own pace and took breaks whenever we needed it.
Our first activity on the water has given us a good chance to try something new and to meet the other lovely members of Active Recovery."
Thank you very much to the People's Health Trust for funding this project and making these activities possible.
If you are, or have been, a client of the Southmead Project or Kinergy and would like to take part, please contact Amy for further information on amy.derrick@southmeadproject.com.
The Southmead Project team has been supporting clients with online and phone counselling since April, in light of our office closing in March following Public Health's COVID-19 restrictions. We have worked hard to prepare our office to re-open and ensure that it is Covid-secure. On Monday 14th September we resumed limited face-to-face sessions for clients that paused counselling in March who were unable to have counselling remotely. We have a very limited capacity to see clients face-to-face due to needing to adhere to social distancing measures in our building. Our waiting list for counselling is now open for referrals for up to 24 sessions of online or phone counselling. (Please note that we will not be able to accept referrals for face-to-face counselling or up to 42 sessions for the time being due to the high demand for our services and reduced capacity to meet this demand).
Our Active Recovery Project has been supporting participants with activities remotely during lockdown. Our Project Manager, Amy Derrick, has worked hard to make outdoor activities possible and since 9th September has had fun sailing and kayaking with participants in a Covid-secure way! Thank you to our partners at All Aboard for helping to make this happen and to the People's Health Trust for funding this project.
Our group work currently remains on hold while we explore the possibility of having groups online.
We would like to thank our clients, staff and partner organisations for bearing with us throughout this difficult time and for adapting to new ways of providing and receiving support. We understand that this has been an exceptionally difficult and overwhelming time for many people, and in particular for our clients.
Thank you for the support that we have received throughout this time from our funders and partner organisations who have made the transition to remote working possible. We would not otherwise have been able to adapt our services and provide such high-quality remote support to our clients and we are extremely grateful to you.
Please find a downloadable copy of our HSE COVID-19 risk assessment here to see how we are working in a Covid-secure way.
Many thanks,
The Southmead Project Team
We are seeking a Support Worker for our Active Recovery Project!
The deadline for applications is Thursday 27th August 2020.