Dorset Council launch 'Within Reach' campaign for world mental health day
Within Reach mental health campaign aims to help people living in rural areas of Dorset
Dorset Council have launched a campaign hoping to support people living in the most rural areas of Dorset.
With almost a quarter of Dorset's residents living in secluded areas, it can have a detrimental impact on their mental health due to isolation. Research shows that nationally, suicide rates are much higher in more rural communities.
Trevor Cligg is an ex-dairy farmer from West Dorset who has tackled his own mental health issues, he said: " I think the key thing to do when you're feeling isolated is to talk to someone. It could be a family member, it could be a friend, it could be a complete stranger"
"There are plenty of helplines that you can get on to. It really can help. A problem shared is a problem halved."
"Get out there and talk to someone, it doesn't matter who. Just talk to someone and ask for a bit of help. After that it will become a little bit easier to deal with and someone else will understand how you're feeling."
If you don't feel comfortable talking to close ones, you can contact a free support service 24/7:
- Dorset’s NHS mental health helpline Connection – call 0800 652 0190
- Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for confidential support via text message
- Samaritans – call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org and someone will get back to you within 24 hours