Dorset mental health services remain open over festive period
There's reassurance that people can keep getting the help they need
Last updated 20th Dec 2022
Mental health services across Dorset will remain open over the festive period.
The reassurance comes from Access Mental Health |newtab) in the county, who say they'll be working their normal hours, to help those struggling to cope, feeling anxious, or heading towards crisis.
Round-the-clock support can be found in person, over the phone and online, over Christmas and into the New Year.
The service, run by Dorset HealthCare tends to see demand for their services rise at this time of year.
If you need help, you can call Connection - a 24/7 telephone helpline on 0800 652 0190.
This year, the phone line has received between 4,500 to 5,200 calls per month. One caller to the service said:
“The lady listened, kept me calm, and reassured me that I shouldn't feel a burden. After speaking with her I felt a lot better. The people on the end of the phone made me realise that they are available to help me no matter what.”
The drop-in Retreat services are available for over-18s to talk through problems with a mental health worker or peer specialist face-to-face.
In Bournemouth, that's open from 4.30 until 11.30pm every day and is open in Dorchester at the same times, Sunday to Wednesday.
A visitor to the Retreat said:
“The person I spoke to really could relate to what I was going through and understood what I had been through. He gave me the advice I needed, but also listened like I needed.”
Community Front Rooms, which are face-to-face drop-in support service for over-18s run in Bridport, Shaftesbury, Wareham and Weymouth between 2.15 and 9.45pm, Thursday to Sunday.
Laura Ekelund, Dorset HealthCare’s Crisis and Acute Community Services Manager, said:
“This year has continued to be a challenging time for people’s mental health. We know this time of year can be particularly hard for many and we are here to help.
“Our Access Mental Health services provide easy and flexible ways to get the help you need, no matter what your situation or the time of day.
“We have face-to-face support available in the evenings and there is someone at the end of a phone 24 hours a day. You can talk to mental health staff and peer specialists (people with their own lived experience of mental health issues) and get the right support and advice.
“We understand how hard it can be to ask for help, but please do contact us as we really want to listen and are here for you 24/7.”