The following provide valuable local support for parents and carers who are affected by mental ill-health:
We are a values-based charity influencing social change and advocating for social justice in Dorset and beyond. We aim to increase understanding of mental health, wellbeing and Recovery, challenging prejudice around people’s experiences of mental distress and trauma, through our own lived experience expertise, education and co-production.
DHUFT Perinatal Mental Health Service
This service provides care and support for women experiencing mental health problems during pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth. It is not available to those with pre-existing mental health problems, who will continue to receive support from their existing provider.
Steps2Wellbeing is a free, NHS Talking Therapies service for adults over 18 years old registered with a GP in Dorset (including BCP).
The service is part of Dorset HealthCare, an NHS Trust which specialises in providing mental health treatment and support in Dorset.
The Recovery Education Centre (REC) is delivered in partnership between Dorset HealthCare and the Dorset Mental Health Forum, a local peer led charity. We offer a wide range of educational courses across Dorset which focus on recovery and wellbeing.
Access Mental health Services
- 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 3.15-10.45pm, Thursday-Sunday, at locations in Bridport, Shaftesbury, Weymouth and Wareham.
Mental Health, information on support and self-management
We change minds across England and Wales by making mental health an everyday priority. By standing up to the injustices – in healthcare, in work, in law – which make life harder for those of us with mental health problems.
We support minds – offering help whenever you might need it through our information, advice and local services.
We aim to create a community where living with and talking about mental health becomes acceptable for everyone.
Really useful website for all diagnosis and providing resources to assist the person. With self-management/learning skills.
If you’re struggling with your feelings, you’re not alone. We have loads of practical tips and advice from young people just like you, as well as information on getting the support you need.
Helpful national telephone numbers
Find out how to access NHS mental health services and where to get urgent help.
Mental health: ethnic minority experiences
Here you can find out about ethnic minority (BME) experiences of mental health by seeing and hearing people share their personal stories on film. Our researchers travelled all around the UK to talk to 30 people in their own homes. Find out what people said about issues such as diagnosis, therapy and support from family and friends. We hope you find the information helpful and reassuring.
We’ll help you regain control of your life, by building on your strengths and supporting you to make healthy changes. You can access our help directly – there is normally no waiting time to get started. Or discuss case with Neil Failes- n.failes@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk who is a specialist social worker for Dorset Council.
We improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through our network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning. Our goal is to make sure everyone severely affected by mental illness has a good quality of life.
No Panic specialises in self-help recovery and our services include providing people with the skills they need to manage their condition and work towards recovery, enabling them to lead more fulfilled lives.
Counselling Directory is a useful hub for anyone struggling with their emotional wellbeing to be able to find a fully qualified and insured counsellor.
Signposting to services, including housing
LiveWell Dorset is here to help you live a happier, healthier life with FREE advice and coaching. Do you want to more more, manage your weight, quit smoking or drink less alcohol? Talk to us.
Gateway page for care and support for adults
Do you or someone you know need of housing? Please contact us and one of our friendly team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Delivers the Dorset Integrated Prevention Service (DIPS). We work alongside people aged 16+, providing help and support to reduce homelessness, poverty, poor physical or mental health, or social isolation. Through our central point of contact, you can speak with one of our friendly team about your situation.
Activities and voluntary services
Find Local Bereavement Support – A gateway page from Dorset Healthcare Trust.
The Partnership have also developed a local directory of bereavement support services for parents and carers which includes more general support services, as well as bespoke services depending on the circumstances surrounding the bereavement.
Here you will be able to find everything you need to start your perfect volunteering role. Use the button to the left to get started on your volunteering adventure! Here you will be able to register on our volunteering database and browse through all the roles we currently have available.
South West based charitable housing association BCHA was founded over 50 years ago with a continuing mission to meet housing need and end homelessness. We aim to achieve this through the building and provision of affordable and secure homes, and by supporting individuals to take control and lead independent, fulfilled lives.
Dorset Healthcare Vocational Services (Buckland Centre)
MY LIFE MY CARE (BCP area)
Information, advice and services for adults with care and support needs or who have caring responsibilities.
Support with gaining employment
Education, Training and Work (part of Dorset Council’s Local Offer for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
Disability employment advisors – Job centre. If you have a health condition or a disability that affects your ability to work, you can get assistance and advice on returning to the workplace by speaking to a Work Coach at your local Jobcentre Plus. The length of time an employment assessment takes varies based on your individual needs and can last a half a day or longer. After your assessment, you will agree on a plan of action with your Work Coach, which may include training or they could recommend you take part in a programme such as Access to Work, Residential Training or Work Choice. The Work Coach can also provide referrals to a specialist work psychologist, if needed, for a more detailed employment assessment.
Inspire programme Are you unemployed and looking to find meaningful employment? Have you ever considered self-employment, trying out a business idea or developing an idea to benefit your community, while you learn a new business, employment, and enterprise skills? Inspire Dorset can help you make your project and business ideas a reality. Our flexible programme offers two opportunities:
- One-to-one coaching– where we will identify what type of work will fulfil you, the barriers currently standing in your way and the support needed to achieve your goals
- A Team Challenge – where we will support a group to organise a community project that solves a local need. As part of the group, you will take a project from an idea all the way through to reality
To be eligible for the Inspire Dorset Programme you must be over 15 years old, unemployed and have the right to work in the UK.
To find out more call 01305 216411 or email paul.seaman@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk and check out our Facebook page
Support to Work is an online and telephone support programme for disabled people in England and Wales who are applying for jobs.
Access to Work is a government grant scheme which supports disabled people in work. Access to Work might pay for:
- a British Sign Language interpreter
- specialist equipment
- extra transport costs, such as a taxi where no public transport is available
Access to Work can also pay for assessments to see what you need at work. You can apply for Access to Work up to 6 weeks before you start work.
For people who have autism
We’re here to help the 700,000 autistic people in the UK and their families. Be it running specialist schools, campaigning for improved rights or training companies on being more autism-friendly, we are dedicated to transforming lives and changing attitudes.
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