Dorset Mental Health Forum

17/11/2025

Why was the theme of 'sharing stories, strengthening hope' chosen for week?
The Childhood Bereavement Network explains: "Grief is hard but it can also give a child or young person insights and resilience they can take through their life. That’s why we want these stories to highlight hope too, recognising that despite bereavement there are still opportunities and moments to celebrate".

Our Dorset Discovery Project young peers reflect on their lived experiences this week, and these will be on Dorset Open Door socials 💚

This year the theme for Children's Grief Awareness Week is "Sharing Stories, Strengthening Hope" and Childhood Bereavement Network have resources to support children and their families.

We have also been chatting to some of our Dorset Discovery Project young peers who shared thoughts from their own experience of grief, and ways that could help you cope - see our posts this week for more.

Dorset Mental Health Forum

11/11/2025

We’ll be in Poole on Thursday 4 December - you’ll find our team at the Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck Fuel Poverty Awareness event in the Dolphin Centre, alongside other local organisations.

📅 Thursday 4 December | 10 AM–4 PM
📍 GATHER space, The Dolphin Poole (opposite H Samuel)

We understand that struggling to keep your home warm can affect more than your bills – it can impact your mental and physical health too. That’s why this event brings together practical help, and a chance for conversation.

Drop in to:
✅ Get advice on cutting energy costs and finding support
✅ Learn ways to stay warm and well this winter
✅ Chat with us about how connection can support your Wellbeing and Recovery
✅ Find out about our regular Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum activities and Dorset Recovery Education Centre courses

Please do share with anyone who could benefit from a chat with some fantastic local organisations.

10/11/2025

We continue to bring opportunities for connection, conversation, and community to you this winter - with two chances to do so before Christmas. First stop: Waitrose Gillingham café!

📅 Wednesday 26 November 2025 | 10 AM–1 PM
📍Waitrose & Partners Gillingham café space

Drop in for a chat with our team and discover how connection can support your Wellbeing and Recovery. Explore our Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum programme, and learn about Dorset Recovery Education Centre courses - all with a focus on community and belonging.

Ps. Our Sports and Social team host a social group in the cafe every Monday afternoon, all welcome, see link in bio to activities list for further details
We’d love to see you there! 💚

06/11/2025

The Movement for Movement website has a host of supportive information and personal stories, to guide you through making changes to adopt a little more movement in your day.
The activity finder is a great local listing of activities near you, including details of our Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum programme 💚

When it comes to moving more, we know that many people struggle with where to start. Whether you are new to movement, or wanting to move a little more, starting small is the best way to start. It doesn’t need to be a run around the block or a cycle to work either! From walking to the shops or dancing to some music whilst the kettle boils, every bit of movement counts!

Sometimes movement can feel like too much, but it's important to remember that every piece of movement counts, listen to your body, and increase if you feel like you are able to.

Find ideas and advice on the new Movement for Movement website 👇🏼www.movementformovement.co.uk

NHS Dorset | Dorset Mental Health Forum | Dorset Council

05/11/2025

Stress is part of everyday life—but how do you know when it’s becoming too much? We all have a Window of Tolerance—a zone where we can function, cope, and respond to life’s challenges without feeling overwhelmed. But when stress pushes us outside that window, we might feel anxious, shut down, or disconnected.

Recognising when we’re outside our window is the first step. The next is learning how to get back in.

That’s where Dorset Recovery Education Centre resources come in. Their bite-sized clips and workbooks explore stress, help you identify your triggers, and offer practical strategies to widen your window and build resilience.

Explore the resources today and share them with someone who might benefit. Let’s support each other this
https://ow.ly/Bz6K50XmwO0

03/11/2025

Plants may seem passive, but they’re surprisingly responsive to . When faced with drought, heat, pests, or pollution, they don’t panic—they to the stressors:

🪴They close their stomata to conserve water.
🪴They produce protective chemicals to fight off disease.
🪴They even communicate with nearby plants through root signals and airborne compounds.

What we can learn from this:

+ Pause and protect: Like plants closing their stomata, we can take breaks to preserve our own energy.
+ Build resilience: Plants strengthen themselves under pressure—so can we, through rest, nutrition, and mindfulness.
+ Stay connected: Plants “talk” to each other. We thrive when we share, support, and stay rooted in our own community.

Nature is full of wisdom. Sometimes, the quietest organisms can teach us the loudest lessons 💚

How do you adapt when life gets stressful? Drop your thoughts below or tag someone who helps you stay grounded.

27/10/2025

Join the Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum weekly badminton group in Weymouth - on every Monday afternoon for a social game and a coffee 🏸💚

24/10/2025

23/10/2025

Darren our Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum peer has been running a weekly for a few months now, with a more mindful approach. Every Monday you can take in different scenery across the , and area - last week we were treated to a colourful autumnal display 💚
Join the group - more details: https://www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk/be-connected/social-connection

21/10/2025

Did you know the Dorset Energy Bus stops across the county to give you a chance to talk to someone and get free energy advice?

Days and locations are here: https://edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/get-advice/energy

If you cant get to a location you can also contact the team by phone or email for free, confidential support 💚

Our Energy Advice Bus will be stopping in Abbotsbury & Portesham tomorrow - Wednesday 22nd October!! 10m - 12pm in Abbotsbury and 12:30pm - 2:30pm in Portesham.

You'll find us in The Square, by Back St/Market St, in Abbotsbury, and in the Kings Arms Car Park in Portesham.

Come and have a chat to see what help is available. Free, confidential advice, no appointment needed.

If you van't make the Bus, you can call us on 01929 775500

20/10/2025

Grief touches each of us differently—which is why the support you may be looking for is so personal to you.
If you or someone you know is struggling after a loss—especially one that was sudden, traumatic, or related to suicide—Dorset Open Door is here to help.
This compassionate service offers advice; connecting you to local and national support. Whether it’s been days or years, there’s no “right” time to seek help—and no wrong time to reach out.
📞 Call 01305 361 361
📧 Email: dhc.dorsetopendoor@nhs.net
🔗 Find out more https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-and-sites/mental-health-and-learning-disabilities/bereavement-support