New drop-in mental health service launched in Weymouth
It's called a Community Front Room
A new mental health drop-in service has been officially opened by the Mayor of Weymouth Cllr Colin Huckle and his wife Marian, Mayoress of Weymouth.
Located at 56 St. Mary’s Street, the new Community Front Room welcomes anyone aged 18 or over who needs support if they are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed.
Expert help will be on hand four days a week for people who are struggling to cope, heading towards a breakdown or even feeling suicidal.
Opening Times
Run by Dorset HealthCare and charitable housing association BCHA, the Community Front Room is staffed by mental health professionals and peer support workers. It is open between 3.15–10.45pm, Thursday to Sunday, and no appointment is required.
The Weymouth Community Front Room is the fourth of its kind across Dorset and is part of Dorset HealthCare’s Access Mental Health services, which include:
• Connection – a 24/7 telephone helpline (0800 652 0190) for all ages, which can provide direct help or signpost you to a range of other services
• The Retreats – a drop-in support service in Bournemouth and Dorchester for anyone aged 18-years or older, open 4.30pm-midnight every day. Run in partnership with the Dorset Mental Health Forum, it provides a safe space where you can talk through your problems with mental health workers or peer specialists
• Community Front Rooms – drop-in support services in Bridport, Shaftesbury, Wareham and now Weymouth, open 3.15-10.45pm, Thursday-Sunday. They are provided by BCHA, working in partnership with local charities The Burrough Harmony Centre (Bridport) and Hope (Shaftesbury).
Wendy Thompson, Manager of Weymouth’s Community Front Room, said:
“We recognise that coming out of lockdown can be just as challenging as being in lockdown. The Community Front Room is here to offer a safe, welcoming, non-judgemental and confidential space where you talk to us and find the solutions which can help you on the path to recovery.”
Throughout the pandemic The Retreats and Community Front Rooms offered virtual drop-ins to continue supporting local people but are all now back open for face-to-face support following the easing of national restrictions. Virtual support will also continue for those that prefer to talk online.
Tony Burden, BCHA’s Business Manager for Mental Health Services, said:
“Virtual appointments have worked well and ensured support was still available for those struggling in Dorset. Nonetheless, we are extremely pleased that normal service can resume and face-to-face drop-ins are back.
“We are delighted to have a Community Front Room in Weymouth so that people can access the support they need on their own terms, whenever they need it.”
Tracey Marshall, Dorset HealthCare’s Crisis and Acute Community Services Manager, added:
“The past year has been a particularly challenging time for people’s mental health and we’ve all faced new challenges. As restrictions ease further, many of us may feel stressed, anxious or struggle to cope, but our Access Mental Health services are here to support you and provide the first step on the road to recovery.”
More information, including address details of all Community Front Rooms and The Retreats, is available at www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/access-mental-health