Mental health and wellbeing advice
How to combat COVID-19 anxiety and maintain your mental health
It has been a particularly challenging time for people’s mental health, with COVID-19 significantly affecting how we feel and the things we would normally do day-to-day. This page offers you a wealth of information on how to combat COVID-19 anxiety and maintain your mental health.
And, if you need more formal support, there is also information on how to contact mental health services such as Steps2Wellbeing and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
If you require urgent support, visist our Access Mental Health page.
Local helplines and support groups
Whether you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines and support groups can offer expert advice.
Dorset services
Connection
24-hour helpline, on freephone 0800 6520190, offering urgent telephone access to mental health advice and support for people of all ages
Domestic abuse and safeguarding
During lockdown, families spent much more time together and this can increase stress and harm. #youarenotalone if you live in Dorset help is available.
If you are worried about a child who may be being harmed, abused or neglected in Dorset you can report concerns.
If you are worried about an adult who may be at risk of harm, abuse or neglect you can report concerns.
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)
Offering assessment and treatment to children and young people up the age of 18 who are experiencing significant mental health difficulties. Support also for families and carers. Services provided across Dorset, with main bases in Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Blandford and Dorchester.
Dorset Mental Health Forum
A local peer-led charity to improve the lives of everyone affected by mental illness by promoting wellbeing and recovery. We believe people with lived experience of mental health difficulties have a wealth of specialist knowledge and valuable expertise. We believe in the effectiveness of partnership working in the design and provision of mental health services. Everyone has an equal right to enjoy all the opportunities life can provide, which is why we promote the principle that hope, mental health and wellbeing are essential to all.
Dorset Pain Management Service
A multi-disciplinary team of pain specialists, supporting you to develop new skills to understand your body and deal with pain with greater knowledge and confidence. Together, we provide a range of services so that we can tailor what we offer to match your clinical and personal needs. This will help you come to terms with your pain and adopt effective strategies for living life meaningfully.
Steps to Wellbeing
A free, confidential NHS service for anyone aged 18+ who is experiencing problems with low mood/depression, anxiety or stress and is registered at a GP surgery in Dorset (including Bournemouth and Poole) and in Southampton.
We provide support either over the telephone, face-to-face, in groups or via the internet. We are a self-referral service, which means you can contact us directly to access support. We also accept referrals from GPs and other healthcare professionals.
National helplines and support groups
Support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition. Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 10pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm).
Helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35. Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight).
24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.
Information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm).
Support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Phone: 0844 967 4848 (daily, 10am to 10pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge.
Support for people with OCD. Includes information on treatment and online resources. Phone:03006365478 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm). Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge.
A charity run by people with OCD, for people with OCD. Includes facts, news and treatments. Phone: 0333 212 7890 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Young suicide prevention society. Phone: HOPELINEUK 0800 068 4141 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm, and 2pm to 10pm on weekends and bank holidays).
Support and advice for people living with mental illness. Phone: 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm)
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline).
Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers. SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4.30pm to 10.30pm). Textcare: comfort and care via text message, sent when the person needs it most: www.sane.org.uk/textcare. Peer support forum: www.sane.org.uk/supportforum
Information on child and adolescent mental health for parents and professionals. Phone: Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm).