Dorset Mental Health Forum

12/01/2026

Warm up with a coffee and a chat on next week.

Our team are excited to be at Coffee BOTH Dorchester and Weymouth between 11am and 2pm on Monday 19 January

Come along and connect with what's happening in your community. We'd love to see you!

📅Monday 19 January 11am - 2pm
📍Coffee #1 Dorchester, South Street
AND
📍Coffee #1 Weymouth, St Mary Street

07/01/2026

Connection starts with conversation—and conversation builds community. on 19 January is an opportunity to share a cuppa and a chat, creating spaces where people feel heard, valued, and supported.

We’re excited to celebrate Brew Monday with the support of Coffee #1 for not one, but TWO local pop-ups:

📅 Monday 19 January | 11 AM- 2 PM
📍 Coffee #1 Dorchester, South St
AND
📍Coffee #1 Weymouth, St Mary St

Drop by, why not ask a friend to join you, share a moment out of your day in the company of our team. Whether it’s a quick hello or a longer chat, we look forward to seeing you!

07/01/2026

Access Wellbeing Hubs drop in now in and - every Monday. Chat to a wellbeing coordinator around challenges you're facing including:

🟢 mental health and emotional wellbeing
🟢 social connection opportunities and activities near you
🟢 bereavement and grief
🟢 advice on issues such as work, money and housing
🟢 support for carers and family members

All locations and opening times are here: https://www.dorsetaccesswellbeing.co.uk/access-wellbeing-hubs/

We're delighted to announce that we have launched a new Access Wellbeing drop-in service in Lytchett Minster and Upton! 💚

The new drop-in will usually run every Monday, and offers free mental health and wellbeing support to anyone 18 and over – with no appointment needed. Whether you’re looking for a chat, guidance, or a bit of extra support, our friendly team are on-hand to help.

📍 Lytchett Minster & Upton Town Council, 1 Moorland Parade, Moorland Way, Upton, BH16 5JS
🗓 Mondays
⏰ 10am–3pm

We now have five Access Wellbeing drop-in spaces across Purbeck, with our fifth opening in Wool this Friday – making support even more accessible in our local communities.

Find out more 👉 www.dorsetaccesswellbeing.co.uk/community-drop-in-spaces

Lytchett Minster and Upton Town Council, BCHA, Help & Care, The Lantern Trust, Harmony Mental Health Bridport Dorset, Dorset Mind, Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Dorset, Dorset Mental Health Forum

05/01/2026

Last month we took time to celebrate all the ways in which we’ve supported people throughout the year!
From new projects and partnerships to the incredible efforts of our teams - every milestone reflects the strength of our community and the values we share.

Watch our highlights video to see how we've continued to make a difference.

Here’s to building on this success in the year ahead! A happy and healthy 2026 to all 💚

31/12/2025

Looking forward to the Dorset Recovery Education Spring term? Or thinking about becoming a new student?
You don’t have to wait to learn.
Explore these FREE self-study options designed for flexibility:

🪴Workbooks for quiet moments
🍃 Podcasts for learning on the go
🍂 Videos for bitesize learning

We'd recommend looking at the 'Five Steps to Wellbeing' materials as a great place to start.
Take this time to prepare, reflect, and grow in a way that feels right for you.

Access resources and find out how to enrol as a student: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-and-sites/mental-health-and-learning-disabilities/recovery-education-centre/learn-online

24/12/2025

Looking for a safe, welcoming space to talk about your mental health?
Support is here for you – whether that’s during the day, evening, or any time you need someone to listen.

🌞 Weekdays: Access Wellbeing Hubs – a friendly space to chat and find advice on a range of topics for over 18s.

🌙 Afternoons/Evenings: The Retreat & Community Front Rooms – calm, supportive environments for over 18s.

Available 24/7:
☎ Connection Helpline for all ages: 0800 652 0190
📱 Samaritans: 116 123
💬 Shout: text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258

👉 Check the individual pages for live opening times and locations over the festive period. We also have links in our bio

23/12/2025

As our teams down tools for the year, we want to say thank you to all of our supporters, our staff and our partners working across health, social care and communities across Dorset. Your continued support is a constant reminder of why staying true to our values matters. Together, we continue to create space where inclusivity and understanding can flourish.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, another tradition, or simply value time for rest and reflection, we hope this period brings you peace and connection in ways that matter most to you.

Our offices are now closed and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026. For mental health support options, check our feed over the coming days.

19/12/2025

As the winter solstice approaches this weekend, our Forum CEO Becky shares her thoughts on preparing ourselves for the coming months:

“This time of year is inherently complex for us all as we navigate our way through the bustle, sparkles and festivities, in the midst of winter and with diminished daylight.

But this is an important time of year to slow down and recharge; to reflect on the year that has passed; to be still and to embrace the renewal, wisdom and growth that resides within the stillness and silence of this special time.

The shortest day is soon to pass and we are heading into the necessary season of rest, to make room for new beginnings and lighter days ahead.”

18/12/2025

This time of year may feel heavy when ongoing challenges can rise to the surface. If you’re feeling the weight of money worries, stress, or loneliness, you don’t have to face them alone.

Find support nearby where you can talk, feel understood, and belong—without judgement:

✅ Warm spaces, hot meals & community hubs – https://www.helpandkindness.co.uk/winter-activities-and-services-in-dorset
✅ Energy bus pop ups, fuel advice and more - https://citizensadvicedorset.org.uk/
✅ Access Wellbeing hubs and drop ins – https://www.dorsetaccesswellbeing.co.uk/access-wellbeing-hubs/

Help And Kindness Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck Access Wellbeing Hubs

12/12/2025

Need someone to talk to? Support is here for you any time, day or night. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or worried about someone you care about, these local and national helplines are ready to listen:

✅ Call
Connection helpline if you live in, or are visiting Dorset: 0800 652 0190
Samaritans: 116 123

✅ Text
Shout: Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258

Save this for when you need it. Share it with someone who might. Screenshot it so support is always close. Because no one should feel alone 💚

Samaritans Shout
#24/7

11/12/2025

Living with a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) is part of a person’s story, but it doesn’t define them. Let's break the stigma around mental health. We all have a right to a life worth living—a life with choice, connection, and hope.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/K89W4y0UT74?si=pnX_8w-LZ3Mf_zyV

08/12/2025

You are not broken. You’re not alone. It’s OK to feel vulnerable.
Physical and mental health are deeply connected but living with a serious mental illness (SMI) and staying active isn’t always simple.
This lived experience led conversation looks at the hidden challenges that can make physical activity feel out of reach. It’s not just about finding the motivation; it’s about feeling safe, being heard, and finding what works for you.

Watch the full video - https://youtu.be/8l6P7LPGi18?si=p2SMZC0MxL2uGXBw