Community Mental Health - Older peoples (CMHT - OP)
We have 13 Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) for older people, based in locations across Dorset. They have a mix of staff who are specially trained in dealing with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and dementia.
Our aim is to support older people to live safely at home, and prevent unnecessary admissions into hospital. Our CMHTs provide a range of valuable services, including assessments, treatments and home visits, as well as group and individual therapies. They see people in a variety of settings, including hospitals and outpatient clinics, but most often in their own homes.
We work closely with other NHS and social care professionals. If you or your loved one would like to see a member of your local CMHT and have not used this service before, please speak to your GP or social care worker.
If you are an existing service user, you can contact your CMHT from Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm. At evenings or weekends, please contact our 24/7 Connection helpline.
If you help to look after an older person with mental health problems, our Carers page offers useful information about the support available to you.
Where to access the service:
Access Mental Health
If you are struggling to cope or feel yourself nearing a breakdown, Access Mental Health is here to provide help.
Designed in partnership with local people, it offers a range of services which provide support at times and places when people need it the most.
Connection – a 24/7 helpline open to all ages. Dorset residents or people visiting Dorset can call 0800 652 0190 or NHS 111 for free
The Retreat – open to anyone aged 18 or above, providing a safe space to seek face-to-face help and support. It is open every day from from 4.30pm-midnight in Bournemouth
Community Front Rooms – open to anyone aged 18 or above, providing a welcoming, safe space where you can discuss problems and work towards possible solutions. It is open from 2.15-9.45pm, Thursday-Sunday, at locations in Bridport, Shaftesbury, Weymouth and Wareham.
Locations
Community Mental Health Team - Older People (Bournemouth - Kings Park Hospital)
WiFi: No
Parking: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Community Mental Health Team - Older People (Bridport - Bridport Community Hospital)
WiFi: Yes
Parking: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Open Hours: 09:00 - 17:00 Monday - Friday
The OPMH (Older person mental health) team are based in the Bridport Hospital within a recently rebuilt space. They share and office space and consulting rooms with the adult mental health team. Close by in the hospital are colleagues from Social Services and other physical health services. The team offer assessment and specialist talking and medical treatments to older people (over 65) who have a moderate to severe mental health conditions. The team is made up of nurses, Psychologists, Psychiatrist and support workers, all offering specialist interventions which support people in managing their mental health. The team link extensively with a wide range of partners from the Health Service, Dorset County Council and Local Community in enabling individual needs to be met.
Community Mental Health Team - Older People (Christchurch - Fairmile House)
Ground floor
WiFi: Yes
Parking: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Opening times: Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 17.00 – Bank holidays and weekends closed
Community Mental Health Team - Older People (Weymouth - Weymouth Community Hospital)
WiFi: No
Parking: Yes
Disabled Access: Yes
Open Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00
The Community Mental health Team (CMHT) for older people is based at Weymouth Community Hospital.
The team offers assessment, treatment, and advice to older people (over 65) who have moderate to severe mental health conditions. We offer a range of psychological interventions, including art therapy. We also support people with a dementia diagnosis who present with a degree of risk or behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
The team is made up of registered mental health nurses, psychologists, consultant psychiatrist, advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) and support workers. The multi-disciplinary team offers specialist interventions which support people in managing their mental health and wellbeing. The team link extensively with a wide range of partners from the health service, including the local frailty team, Dorset County Council and local community services in enabling individual health and social care needs to be met.