"They saved my life" - Dorset Mind's new service has already proved effective
If you're experiencing "burnout" from work, then Dorset Mind has just the thing for you
As more and more people experience 'burnout', Dorset Mind have launched a new service to help reach vulnerable people in the community.
The newly introduced “Mentoring Minds” service is aimed at people experiencing mental health challenges such as low mood, anxiety, or burnout.
Dee Swinton, a spokesperson for Dorset Mind, explains that people experiencing burnout typically lack motivation and might feel overwhelmed.
She said: “With burnout it's very difficult to do anything, so re-joining community and getting used to connecting with people again can be difficult so having support from someone regularly is important.”
Dorset Mind noticed that burnout is prevalent among healthcare workers and employees in the education sector.
The Mentoring Mind’s initiative is a group of volunteers who work 1-on-1 with vulnerable people and set 'achievable' goals for them to hit on their journey towards recovery.
The volunteers will create a safe environment for people in need of the service to discuss their feelings and emotions with their mentors. Participants and volunteers mentors will then work together to set goals that will best help the induvial.
The mental health charity believes goal setting helps individuals gain a true sense of purpose and achievement.
Dee noted: “Small steps lead to something a lot larger, and I think once people achieve that, it will help build their confidence and self-esteem.”
Barbara Montagna, a counsellor at Dorset Mind, said: “Mentoring Minds will encourage and enable young people to improve their mental health. The regular reviews throughout sessions empower them to develop resilience which they can use beyond the sessions.”
Dee added: “It's a brilliant service and the feedback we've had has been amazing to the point where people have said that without their mentor, they wouldn't be here!”
One participant said: “I am very grateful for the help I received from Dorset Mind and feel they have saved my life. I am now on my road to recovery.”
Another said: “It has been very helpful to have someone to talk to and to be heard and supported. I have gained so much confidence and strength over the course of these sessions.”
Linda O’Sullivan, Dorset Mind CEO, said: " Many of our dedicated volunteers have lived experience of ill mental health. They are therefore understanding of the mental health challenges participants face.
“It's important that effective yet achievable goals are set throughout the course of this service to help support people back onto the right path to live life mentally healthy.”