Signposting

Dorset Access Mental Health offers a range of services which provide support at times and places when people need it the most:

• Connection 24/7 Mental Health free phone support line open to all ages. Dorset residents or people visiting Dorset can call 0800 652 0190 or NHS 111 for free
• The Retreat is open to anyone aged 18 or above, providing a safe space to seek face-to-face help and support.
• Community Front Rooms are open to anyone aged 18 or above, providing a welcoming, safe space where you can discuss problems and work towards possible solutions at locations in Bridport, Shaftesbury, Weymouth and Wareham.

The Discovery Project combines the expertise of NHS Healthcare Professionals, the lived experience of Peer Specialists and the voice of young people (aged 13-25) to create spaces to explore and share what mental health, recovery, and wellbeing means by looking at what matters to you. 

You can find videos, podcasts and worksheets on their webpage. 

Our partners, the Dorset Mental Health Forum, promote wellbeing and recovery in Dorset through lived experience expertise.

Their projects aim to increase understanding of mental health and to support and enable people to live the lives they wish to live. The Forum have many local projects including, Social Connection and Advocacy. Read and explore these more here.

You can contact them by calling 01305 257172 or emailing hello@dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk.

Dorset Open Door are a local service that support people bereaved or affected by a death where the cause may be suicide or be particularly traumatic or sudden. They also offer support to those who are bereaved by COVID-19 and support for professionals/those seeking advice for others.

You can contact them by calling 01305 361 361; emailing dhc.dorsetopendoor@nhs.net, or completing the form on their webpage. 

Dorset Work Matters is another joint project between Dorset HealthCare and Dorset Mental Health Forum. They help people who are accessing mental health services across the county to find paid employment. Employment specialists support individuals every step of their journey back to work. Visit their website for more details on their provision and the referral process. 

You can contact them by calling 01202 584486 or emailing dhc.dorsetworkmatters@nhs.net.

Veterans Hub are a community project based in Weymouth that support veterans and their families in a local, safe environment.