Dorchester’s Retreat re-opens for face-to-face mental health support

21st April 2022

The Retreat in Dorchester has begun a phased re-opening for face-to-face drop-ins to provide support for people who are struggling to cope, anxious or feel they are heading towards a crisis.

Run by Dorset HealthCare and the Dorset Mental Health Forum, The Retreat in Maiden Castle Road offers anyone over 18 the chance to talk through their problems with a mental health worker or peer specialist from Sunday to Wednesday, from 4.30-11.30pm.

Virtual drop-in support will continue to be available seven days a week from 4.30-11.30pm, but staff will be prioritising in-person support. This may mean it will take longer to get through via the online Attend Anywhere platform.

If you can’t get through online and urgent support is required, please call Connection, the Trust’s 24/7 telephone helpline for all ages (0800 652 0190), which can provide direct help or signpost to a range of other services.

Marianne Gillingham, Integrated Service Manager for Mental Health at Dorset HealthCare, said:

“This year continues to be a challenging time for people’s mental health, and we want those who are struggling to reach out for support.

“We have been working hard to offer the services of The Retreat in Dorchester again. Due to staffing pressures we will begin with a phased approach but hope to return to a daily in-person service as soon as possible.”

In the east of Dorset, The Retreat in Bournemouth continues to be open for face-to-face drop-ins every day from 4.30pm-11.30pm. To check for the most up-to-date opening information about either Retreat, visit the service’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheRetreatDorset/

In-person and virtual support is also available at the Community Front Rooms in Bridport, Wareham, Weymouth and Shaftesbury from Thursday to Sunday, 3.15-10.45pm.

For more information about The Retreats, Community Front Rooms and Connection or to access support online via the Attend Anywhere platform visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/access-mental-health.