Bristol

Our young women's centre in Bristol supports and helps young women to take advantage of education and employment opportunities and offers a counselling service.

At Bristol we work with

young mums and pregnant young women

lesbian, bisexual and questioning young women

women from ethnic minorities

young women on a low income

young women in schools

Informal education and personal development groups
We run sessions for small groups of young women at our young women’s centre in Totterdown or in schools and youth and community centres across the city. We respond to the needs of the young women in each group; such as gaining confidence, sexual health, stress management and relationships. Working in groups allows young women to support each other where a common theme is shared. Some of our groups offer informal education and accredited courses. We also run art and craft activities.

Counselling
Our qualified and experienced counsellors provide a professional counselling service to individuals and groups of young women who face depression, anxiety, sexuality, domestic violence, rape, low self-esteem, self harm and discrimination. Women are respected and accepted. They are listened to without judgement and helped to talk about their feelings, concerns and experiences, and encouraged to develop their own way of helping themselves.

The impact of our work
Rarely do young women come to us with one specific issue. They may present one issue but often underlying that might be several others. Many have been abused physically, sexually or emotionally and may have difficulty in relating to others, feel angry, have low self-esteem or feel ashamed. Just having someone to really listen to them for the first time, without judging them, has a powerful impact and can give them confidence to positively turn their lives around.

Over the years we have tried and tested a number of different groups and themes and have held many days of celebration and campaigning. We work together with schools, health services and other agencies with who we have developed strong and fruitful relationships.

Thank you to all our funders, including include the European Social Fund, Bristol Young People Services, Parenting Fund, Big Lottery Fund, Bristol Water and CAMHS.