1. People with substance misuse problems face 'lack of mental health support'

    News -

    Many people are struggling with substance abuse and addiction are stuck in a vicious circle - and vice versa. A contributing factor can be adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

  2. Call for dual diagnosis: Steve tells his story

    News -

    Steve Thornton, whose experiences helped us form a survey about the support available for recovery from both addiction and mental health, said he was “pushed around the system for many years” before someone finally was able to help him.

  3. Healthwatch helps end Joe's "excruciating wait" for mental health support

    News -

    Joe has been "languishing on waiting lists and waiting for phonecalls" for over a year trying to get mental health support. We put him in touch with the Patient Advice and Liaison Service and he has now been able to see a psychiatrist.

  4. Overcoming concerns about the Covid-19 vaccine if you have a learning disability

    Advice and Information -

    One of our volunteers, Jemma Ballinger, says while it is great news that people on the learning disability register will be prioritised to have the vaccine, they will still often need a lot of reassurance and understanding to receive it.

  5. How to cope with lockdown if you have autism

    Advice and Information -

    Radio presenter and Asperger's champion Alex Manners spoke to Healthwatch ahead of his talk organised by Bristol Autism Support tomorrow (April 7th). His tips for coping with the pressures of Covid-19? "Find a project and focus on the next few days."

  6. Report: Experiences of using Community Mental Health during the pandemic

    Report -

    Our latest report examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community mental health services in North Somerset and makes recommendations for change to improve access to services.

  7. Safe Haven project ready to support those in crisis

    News -

    Safe Haven Crisis Centre has opened its doors to provide a safe space for up to 12 people suffering severe emotional distress every evening. Healthwatch played a part to make the service as welcoming and appealing as possible.

  8. 100% of visitors seeking urgent support were 'very satisfied' with their experience at Safe Haven

    News -

    Safe Haven, a place for people in acute emotional distress, switched to providing remote support to people in distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2021, it opened its doors and was able to provide face-to-face support for those in need.

  9. Young people struggling to access support for their mental health

    News -

    75% of parents and young people told us they have concerns about their mental health and service provision. We heard that people had to "fight" for support and that services were "swamped, meaning no help was available."

  10. Accessing wellbeing and mental health support in North Somerset

    Advice and Information -

    Most of us will need support with our wellbeing at some point, but if you're struggling, it can be difficult to know where to go for advice. North Somerset Council have put together a booklet to ensure you can access the help you need.

  11. Mental health services for children, young people, and older people must improve, says independent regulator

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission has published its latest report on community mental health services for children and young people, and hospital wards for older adults, provided by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.