Volunteers’ Week takes place between 1-7 June every year and is a time for us to recognise and thank the volunteers who have been an integral part of BDP since our beginnings in 1986.
During an exceptionally difficult year, people from all walks of life have taken the time to volunteer and made a huge difference to people and their communities – just as they do every year.
BDP would like to thank our new and existing volunteers that have helped during the last 12 months and to thank those who usually volunteer but have not been able to because of the pandemic.
Volunteers have been at the heart of BDP since our inception over 30 years ago. A HUGE THANKYOU to all our volunteers past and present for the passion, commitment and energy you bring. You add real diversity in your views and experiences. You push us to remain contemporary and in touch. And you spread BDP’s passion to reduce the stigma which keeps many people experiencing difficulty with drugs or alcohol from seeking support. Your voices reach communities and current and future workplaces which we simply couldn’t do without you. Thank you for sharing your time, skills and connections with such generosity.
Rachel Ayres – Policy and Quality Development Worker
Despite the Covid – 19 restrictions, we successfully recruited and trained 10 new BDP volunteers in February this year. We trained people using a mixture of online and face to face methods – something new for all of us. They have joined our existing team of volunteers are busily involved in our helpline, wet clinics, making up safer injecting packs, making weekly calls to members of our group for over 50 year olds, and recording vital information about Naloxone and Blood Borne Virus testing.
We also are over the moon to announce that we successfully renewed our Investing In Volunteering accreditation – in the midst of a pandemic! Thanks to all the volunteers and staff who contributed to the assessment and writing up.
Volunteers are the beating heart of BDP and we are so grateful for the time, commitment, experience, knowledge, compassion and fresh perspectives our volunteers bring.
Anyone interested in volunteering at BDP in the future please follow the link below to find our volunteers sign up for or email recruitment@bdp.org.uk.
This week is a #mentalhealthawarenessweek, a yearly event that aims to bring awareness and support to the millions of us around the world who experience an issue with our mental health.
The theme for this years event is nature, so we have put together this handy list for some inspiration.
After this past year of lockdown, there’s no better time to get out and connect with the natural environment around you.
Top tips:
It doesn’t have to be far
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to go far from home, there is often some great outside space close to home. Why not check out this lists of parks in Bristol for inspiration https://visitbristol.co.uk/things-to-do/parks-and-gardens.
Focus on yourself
Take this time away from your everyday life to have a moment of quiet with yourself. This year has been hectic, and it can be hard to grab a moments peace at home.
Break some habits
Removing yourself from your everyday routine is an excellent way of separating yourself from things that may potentially trigger negative thoughts or behaviours.
Worried about your own or someone else’s mental health?
Get in touch to discuss to talk to a member of staff about some of the support options available.
A national overdose awareness campaign has hit the streets of Bristol. The poster campaign that can be seen on billboards around the city is promoting the opioid overdose reversal drug Naloxone. Naloxone works by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, effectively reversing the effects of the drug. Naloxone is the most powerful tool in the fight to stop death from overdose.
The posters have been put up in 8 different locations through out the city so keep your eyes peeled for one in your area. Don’t forget to get a photo and use the hashtag #naloxone and #naloxoneposter on social media.
We have long been champions of Naloxone and are hugely grateful for the efforts by those involved to roll out this campaign on such a large scale.
How can I get Naloxone in Bristol?
Naloxone is available from BDP for FREE for anyone who needs it. If you are likely to come in close contact with someone who is using opioids, we strongly encourage you to get a kit.
Check out the campaign we launched on Overdose Awareness Day, which aimed to help people spot the signs of a potential opioid overdose and to aid them to feel more confident in an emergency.
If you want to know more information about Naloxone feel free to get in touch or why not check out Naloxone.org.uk, where they have heaps of information along with instructional videos and frequently asked questions.
