Peerfest17, Bristol
Peerfest is an annual national event, started in 2013 and supported by Mind - the Mental Health Charity. Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health, in England and Wales.
Peerfest's aim is to celebrate the importance of peer support. A peer is a valuable part of the charities network where in a peer uses their own experiences of mental health to help others, using community groups, mentoring, self-help and support groups to connect with each other.
For the last three years a nationwide tender was launched for the event. Bristol Independent Mental Health Network Bristol and Changes Bristol won the right to host and deliver Peerfest17. The event was therefore held in Bristol at We The Curious (formerly known as @Bristol) in Bristol's Waterfront area.
On Monday 9th October 2017, approximately 270 peers came together to be treated to a varied, fun and inspirational event. This included a mix of stalls, interesting workshops, creative and interactive activities and thought-provoking debate. It also included The Marsh Awards, which recognises excellence in mental health peer support. This is a chance for peers to network and share their knowledge.