Drop-In Support Sessions
We offer free monthly group drop-in sessions in Bristol for anyone who has experienced sexual violence at any time in their life.
Once a month, our specialist support workers are available in the local community, offering a calm, safe, and welcoming space for a couple of hours.
Each session includes an optional, gentle self-care activity such as decorating a tote bag or painting a plant pot. These activities are there if you’d like something calming or grounding to focus on, but there is no expectation to take part.
If it feels helpful, our support workers can also share simple coping, grounding, or self-care techniques that you can use in your own time.
Bristol Drop-In Dates
You’ll find us in the Health Promotion Room at the Lawrence Hill Health Centre on the following dates.
- Tuesday 22 September (12.30pm – 2.30pm)
- Tuesday 20 October (12.30pm – 2.30pm)
- Tuesday 17 November (12.30pm – 2.30pm)
What to expect – FAQs
If you’re thinking about coming along and feel unsure, that’s completely understandable. Here are some things that might help:
No. These sessions are open to anyone who has experienced sexual violence, whenever it may have happened.
No booking is required. You can simply drop in at any time during the session. You can stay for five minutes, the full session, or come and go as you need.
No. These sessions are free to attend.
Yes. It doesn’t matter when your experience happened. Whether it was recent or many years ago, you are welcome.
No. There is no expectation to share anything. You won’t be asked about your experiences unless you choose to talk about them.
Yes. If you’d like to, you can ask questions about the support we offer, including helplines, counselling, and other services.
You’re also welcome to take away information to look at in your own time, with no pressure to make any decisions. If it feels right, our team can gently talk you through options for further support.
Not at all. Everything is optional. You might choose to sit quietly, have a chat and a hot drink, join an activity, or simply pick up some information.
It’s completely okay to feel a range of emotions when attending our drop-in spaces, including feeling anxious beforehand. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, you’re welcome to pause and take some time for yourself.
There are quiet indoor areas, as well as access to a garden, where you can step away for a moment. Our support workers are also available if you’d prefer to speak with someone privately.
There is no limit on the number of people who can attend our drop-in sessions. Attendance varies from month to month, but we typically welcome around 2-4 people at each session.
Whether the group is smaller or larger, our facilitators work to create a welcoming, respectful, and supportive environment where everyone can participate at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
There is no pressure to join in with the group discussion or activities. You’re welcome to simply drop in, pick up a leaflet, speak with a facilitator privately, or just spend some time in the space. Our sessions are designed to be flexible, allowing you to access the support you need in the way that feels right for you.
Our drop-in sessions are for adults (18+) only. Because of the nature of the conversations and topics that may be discussed, the sessions are not suitable for children.
We understand that arranging childcare isn’t always possible, and we recognise that this can sometimes make it harder to access support. If you do arrive with your child, you’re still very welcome to pop in and speak with us.
As there are always two facilitators at each session, one team member can talk with you separately, provide our free self-help resources, share details of other support services and helplines, and, where appropriate, arrange a follow-up call or discuss other ways we can support you.
Still unsure?
If you’re not sure whether these sessions are right for you, you can watch our short video to learn more. You’ll hear directly from our team as they explain what to expect and what happens on the day.
For more information or to ask any questions, please email info@sarsas.org.uk
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