Mental health facility in Dorchester temporarily closed

The Retreat in Dorchester which offers support to people reaching crisis point has closed temporarily

Author: Maria GreenwoodPublished 4th Oct 2021

A mental health facility in Dorchester that helps people at crisis point has had to temporarily close.

Managers of The Retreat in Maiden Castle Road say the service has been affected by 'staffing issues.'

Staff who are currently working there are now being located to other facilities and we're told there have been no job losses.

Tracey Marshall, Crisis and Acute Community Services Manager at Dorset HealthCare, said:

“The Retreat in Dorchester is temporarily closing for face-to-face drop-ins from 1 October until the new year due to some immediate staffing issues. We know that this will be disappointing for people who access this service and we are making sure that they know where to access alternative support.

“Services offered at The Retreat in Bournemouth remain unchanged and for individuals unable to access our Bournemouth Retreat, virtual support is available as usual or they can drop-in at the Community Front Rooms in Bridport, Wareham, Weymouth and Shaftesbury for face-to-face support Thursday-Sunday from 3.15-10.45pm.

“In addition, our 24/7 Connection phone line is open for anyone requiring urgent mental health support by calling 0800 652 0190 or NHS 111 and they will be signposted to the right service for the support needed.

“Staff currently working at The Retreat in Dorchester are being re-located to The Retreat in Bournemouth or one of our Community Front Rooms. None of our staff members have lost their job.

“For more information on the virtual support available via The Retreats, Community Front Rooms face-to-face drop-ins or Connection, visit https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/access-mental-health.”

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