Ripples - Wellbeing

Ripples - Wellbeing Empowering people and workplaces to thrive through mental health support, training & community care. Let's create ripples of change, one conversation at a time.
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James and Heidi's story started some years ago through the world of rugby and the family-like connections the world of sport creates (Heidi and James' wife, also aptly named Heidi, played rugby together for a number of years). In 2018, Heidi approached James to launch a mental health programme at Bristol Bears Women, knowing that James had started his requalification to become a Counsellor. The programme was set up in memory of a club player, Jen*, who sadly took her own life in 2017. Jen openly struggled with mental health issues throughout her life and her honesty about how it impacted her life opened the eyes of all those around her. She taught everyone that it was ok not to be ok. The programme was named after Jen's dog, Ripple, and the principle that mental health 'ripples' into all aspects of your life. Soon the confidential service (spearheaded by James) was providing a lifeline to many players and staff across the club. The service allowed members to discuss issues such as anxiety, relationships, stress, depression, financial issues, education pressures, injury, day to day worries and any issues that were affecting them. Ripples grew from strength to strength supporting in excess of 70 individuals across a space of four years. Ripples has now truly achieved its original 'ripple' effect with the launch of Ripples Wellbeing where Counselling, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Workplace Wellbeing and Keynote/event speaking has been added to the services provided.

*Permission from Jen's family has been sought in order to use her name and the part she played in our story

Support doesn’t have to be faced alone 🤍Our Resources section is full of free, accessible tools designed to support ment...
17/02/2026

Support doesn’t have to be faced alone 🤍

Our Resources section is full of free, accessible tools designed to support mental and emotional wellbeing. We’ve just added a new Self-Harm: You’re Not Alone support poster, offering compassionate reassurance and helpful signposting for those who may be struggling, or for anyone supporting a loved one.

You can download the poster directly from our website and keep it close, share it, or display it where it may help someone feel less alone.

Because reaching out, even quietly, matters.

Big celebrations are coming 🎉We’re getting ready to celebrate 5 years of Ripples Wellbeing, and we’ve got some exciting ...
13/02/2026

Big celebrations are coming 🎉

We’re getting ready to celebrate 5 years of Ripples Wellbeing, and we’ve got some exciting competitions, giveaways, and surprises planned to say thank you to our amazing community 💛

Make sure you’re following our page and have liked it so you don’t miss out when everything goes live. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you!

Our 2026 MHFA course dates are now live ✨Mental Health First Aid training equips you with the skills and confidence to s...
12/02/2026

Our 2026 MHFA course dates are now live ✨

Mental Health First Aid training equips you with the skills and confidence to support mental health in the workplace, at home, or within your community. You’ll learn how to recognise the early signs of mental health challenges, have supportive conversations, and signpost effectively to professional help.

Whether you’re refreshing your skills, training for the first time, or looking to support your team, our MHFA courses provide practical tools and guidance that make a real difference.

Plan ahead for 2026 and secure your place today – investing in mental health benefits everyone 💛

We’re so grateful to receive feedback like this 🤍Finding a therapist who truly listens and understands your needs can be...
09/02/2026

We’re so grateful to receive feedback like this 🤍

Finding a therapist who truly listens and understands your needs can be a huge step, and we’re so pleased James was able to offer a supportive, open space for this client. Being heard, understood, and supported is at the heart of everything we do at Ripples Wellbeing.

Thank you for trusting us with your journey and for sharing your experience.

Talking about mental health can feel hard, but a simple conversation can make a powerful difference.Time to Talk Day is ...
05/02/2026

Talking about mental health can feel hard, but a simple conversation can make a powerful difference.

Time to Talk Day is all about breaking the silence around mental health, encouraging open, honest conversations, and reminding people that they don’t have to face things alone. Whether it’s checking in with a friend, sharing how you’re really feeling, or simply listening without judgement, every conversation matters.

At Ripples Wellbeing, we see every day how being heard and understood can be the first step towards healing. Creating safe spaces for conversation helps reduce stigma, build connection, and support emotional wellbeing.

Time to Talk Day is all about breaking the silence around mental health, encouraging open, honest conversations, and reminding people that they don’t have to face things alone. Whether it’s checking in with a friend, sharing how you’re really feeling, or simply listening without judgment, every conversation matters.

We’re so proud to be named Finalists in the 10th anniversary Bristol Life Awards, especially in a year where we’re also ...
03/02/2026

We’re so proud to be named Finalists in the 10th anniversary Bristol Life Awards, especially in a year where we’re also celebrating 5 years of Ripples Wellbeing 💛

With a record number of nominations and so many inspiring Bristol businesses recognised, being shortlisted truly means a lot. This milestone reflects the dedication of our team and the incredible support of our community over the last five years.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Ripples journey - we’re excited for what’s next ✨

Parenting is full of highs and lows, and it’s okay to acknowledge both. On Parents’ Mental Health Day (30th), we encoura...
30/01/2026

Parenting is full of highs and lows, and it’s okay to acknowledge both. On Parents’ Mental Health Day (30th), we encourage all parents to take a pause, check in with themselves, and reach out for support if needed.

Looking after your mental health isn’t selfish — it’s essential. Even small moments of self-care or asking for help can make a huge difference. 💛

If you’re struggling, Ripples Wellbeing is here to support parents with counselling, guidance, and a safe space to be heard.

Today we celebrate 5 years of Ripples Wellbeing 💙To our clients, counsellors, partners, supporters, and community - than...
26/01/2026

Today we celebrate 5 years of Ripples Wellbeing 💙

To our clients, counsellors, partners, supporters, and community - thank you for trusting us, supporting us, and growing with us. Every conversation, every step forward, every small win has mattered.

Here’s to the last five years… and to many more ripples ahead ✨

Glimmers are the small moments that bring a sense of calm, joy, or connection - often when we least expect them. They’re...
22/01/2026

Glimmers are the small moments that bring a sense of calm, joy, or connection - often when we least expect them. They’re the opposite of triggers, and they’re everywhere if we slow down enough to notice. ✨

My glimmer today? Watching the bird feeders while waiting for the kettle to boil for my coffee ☕🐦
Fresh new bedding at the end of the day.
A quiet cuddle from a pet who just knows.

Tiny moments.
Real comfort.
More than enough.

What’s your glimmer today? Share it with us and let’s start noticing the little things that make life feel lighter.

Brew Monday is a Samaritans initiative encouraging people to come together, share a hot drink, and have open, honest con...
19/01/2026

Brew Monday is a Samaritans initiative encouraging people to come together, share a hot drink, and have open, honest conversations. It’s a reminder that connection doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes it starts with a simple “How are you?” ☕💛

At Ripples Wellbeing, we see every day how being heard, understood, and supported can help ease feelings of isolation and overwhelm. Whether you’re checking in on someone else or recognising that you might need support yourself, these small moments can create meaningful ripples of wellbeing.

If you or someone you know needs additional support, Samaritans are available 24/7 to listen without judgement. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue looking out for one another.

A new year can be a powerful time for reflection, reset, and growth — and you don’t have to do it alone. Starting the ye...
16/01/2026

A new year can be a powerful time for reflection, reset, and growth — and you don’t have to do it alone. Starting the year with counselling can help you make sense of what’s been, focus on what matters now, and feel more supported as you move forward.

At Ripples Wellbeing, our affordable counselling offers accessible, professional support in a warm, non-judgemental space. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, grief, or simply need space to talk, we’re here to help.

Start the new year with support that works for you. 💛

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate our ambassador  Packer on being awarded an OBE in recognition of her incredible...
13/01/2026

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate our ambassador Packer on being awarded an OBE in recognition of her incredible contribution to rugby and women’s sport. 🏉✨

Marlie’s leadership, dedication, and advocacy continue to inspire so many — not just in sport, but in wellbeing, equality, and empowerment. We’re proud to have her as part of the Ripples Wellbeing community and to celebrate this well-deserved honour with her.

Huge congratulations, Marlie — an inspiration in every sense. 💛

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