Early Intervention & Prevention Team Update- June

Over the past few weeks, we have been out in the community connecting with individuals, services, and partners to strengthen the support available to those affected by domestic abuse and mental health challenges.

Reaching Out at the Salvation Army Drop-In

One of our meaningful visits included the Salvation Army Drop-In, where we met with individuals seeking support around domestic abuse. Several people had pre-booked appointments, giving us the opportunity to offer a listening ear, share helpful resources, and explore tailored ways to support them during difficult times.

We were joined by other local services, creating a warm, collaborative atmosphere focused on reaching people who might otherwise be overlooked. One moment that particularly stayed with us was speaking with a woman who had experienced historic abuse. She shared that she hadn’t left her home or spoken to anyone in weeks. Being able to speak openly, in a safe and confidential space, was a huge step forward for her. We felt honoured to sit with her, offer reassurance and practical advice, and—most importantly—restore a sense of hope.

We’ll be attending the Salvation Army Drop-In regularly, continuing to offer support and build trust. We’ll also be raising awareness about two of our key services:

• Hope and Light: our culturally responsive mental health support programme for diverse communities.
• Staying Put: providing specialist support for survivors of domestic abuse.

Our goal is simple: to make help more visible, accessible, and meaningful within the communities we serve.

Mental Health Awareness in Thornbury

We also took part in the Thornbury Inspired Neighbourhoods Mental Health Awareness event, a vibrant gathering of local organisations committed to mental wellbeing. The event was a fantastic opportunity to network, raise awareness of our services, and connect with professionals from across sectors.

We spoke to many people about the Hope and Light programme, which is currently in its soft-launch phase, and shared resources from Staying Put. A particularly special moment was reconnecting with former Staying Put staff who stopped by to learn about the organisation’s evolution. Their reflections and encouragement reminded us how far we’ve come, and how important it is to continue growing.

We also debuted some of our new Staying Put merchandise – and it was a hit! Many people praised the thoughtful design and the practicality of the items, reinforcing how small tools can make a big impact in personal safety and outreach.

Learning from Locala at Bevan House

We also had the chance to attend a Locala drop-in session at Bevan House, where we gained valuable insights into sexual health services and how they intersect with the broader needs of our clients.

The session covered a wide range of topics, including STIs, symptoms, prevention, and treatment. We were given a tour of their clinics, learned about the equipment used in testing, and even saw their mobile testing van, which brings care directly into communities.

Understanding these services helps us provide more holistic support to those we work with, recognising that mental health, physical health, and safety are all deeply interconnected.