In recognition of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May), Access Wellbeing is inviting people to events being held across Dorset to showcase the support available in local communities.

Access Wellbeing is a pioneering partnership between the voluntary sector and NHS, offering people easier access to mental health and wellbeing support within their communities.

The first Access Wellbeing hub opened its doors in January 2024 and, since then, its hubs and drop-in services have received more 6,600 visits from people seeking help with mental health issues or guidance about matters which can affect their wellbeing, such as finances, work or housing.

Events taking place during Mental Health Awareness Week include:

  • Weymouth – Community Front Room, Weymouth, Tuesday 13 May, 10am-2pm
  • Lyme Regis – The Waffle House, Lyme Regis, Tuesday 13 May, 10am-3pm
  • Bridport – The Harmony Centre, Bridport, Wed 14 May, 11am-1pm
  • Poole – Access Wellbeing Poole hub, Thursday, 15 May, 10am-12pm
  • Sturminster Newton – The Vale Family Hub, Sturminster Newton, Thursday 15 May, 11am-1pm

The events provide an opportunity for those in the community to find out about what local support is available to them, both through Access Wellbeing and partner organisations.

Access Wellbeing hubs and drop-in spaces are managed by five charity partners – BCHA, The Lantern Trust, Help & Care, Dorset Mind and Harmony – in contract with Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust.

Amy Maloney, Head of Access Wellbeing at BCHA, said:

“Mental Health Awareness Week being celebrated across our hubs is an amazing reminder of the impact that has been made in our local communities. I am so pleased that we have been able to foster a safe and welcome space for those needing access to mental health support. The teams and I hope that this week of celebration provides opportunity to reflect on our success and reaffirm our commitment to providing support for those in our communities.”

Morad Margoum, Interim Service Director at Children, Young People and Families, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities at Dorset HealthCare, added:

“Access Wellbeing hubs and drop-in spaces provide people with earlier access to help, preventing problems from escalating through advice and support tailored to their specific, individual needs. We want to empower people to look after their wellbeing, and connecting with others in their local community can play a big part in that. We hope lots of people will come along to these events to find out what help is out there.”

All the Mental Health Awareness Week events are free to attend and open to all. Find full details on all the events and learn more about Access Wellbeing.