Dorset Mental Health Forum

29/07/2026

The Dorset One World Festival is a free local event to celebrate the diversity of cultures in Dorset through music, dance, food and activities.

The event will be held on Saturday 8 August from 11am-4pm at the Borough Gardens in Dorchester and will feature a programme of traditional and modern cultural activities performed by local communities.

The Global Food Village will provide a wide selection of fresh food and drinks from around the world.

In addition, there will be arts and entertainments - including a bouncy castle, to involve all the family.

We hope that people will join our team and many other organisations to enjoy what will be a stimulating, entertaining and informative day!

More details here: https://fb.me/e/5LVy3BtjP

The event is being hosted by the South West Dorset Multicultural Network and Dorchester Town Council.

Sponsored by Dorset Council, The Poundbury Community Trust, Magna Housing, Unite, Dorset Community Foundation, Dorchester Town Council, with support from the Casterbridge Rotary Club, Dorchester, Dorset.

27/07/2026

Searching for a role that makes a difference in the lives of young people and their families?
Our Dorset Discovery Project team are looking for Peer Specialists to support young people, listen without judgement, and help them build confidence, hope and a sense of what's possible. Through peer support and Recovery Education, you'll help create spaces where young people can learn, reflect, connect with others and explore what Wellbeing and Recovery mean for them.

🌿Support young people through shared experience
🌿Help people discover their strengths and possibilities
🌿Make sure young people's voices are heard

To apply, send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]
Find out more https://www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk/blog/2026/07/20/discovery-project-peer-specialists

24/07/2026

Today is 💚
We are sharing Samaritans campaign as a reminder that Samaritans are always there to listen 24/7. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit https://ow.ly/6xzS50ZpNjj for more information.

22/07/2026

We'd like to say a heartfelt thank you to Jack Cartwright and Brad Buckingham for recently organising a fantastic charity football event at Dorchester Town FC, in aid of our charity and Weldmar Hospicecare.

Both former The Thomas Hardye School students, Jack and Brad wanted to do something positive for their community and give back to causes close to their hearts. Brad even flew all the way from Tampa, Florida to help make the event happen!

The match saw The Thomas Hardye Classisc XI take on the Thomas Hardye B Team, managed by Mr Hughes from the school's current PE department, with the final score ending 7-2 to The Thomas Hardye Classics XI.

We're grateful to everyone who played, supported, donated and helped make the day a success, as well as speaking to our team to find out more about what we do. Events like this demonstrate the power of community spirit and the difference people can make when they come together for a good cause.

Their donation page is still open if you wish to learn more: https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/19547/dorchesters-world-cup-party/

21/07/2026

Passionate about helping young people thrive?
We are looking for Peer Specialists to join the Dorset Discovery Project team, using lived experience to support, inspire and empower young people across Dorset. From one-to-one peer support to amplifying young people's voices in services, this role is all about creating positive change and helping young people shape their own futures.

If you believe every young person deserves to be heard, valued and supported, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, just send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]
Find out more: https://www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk/blog/2026/07/20/discovery-project-peer-specialists

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust Dorset HealthCare Jobs

06/07/2026

We are looking for a Peer Specialist to work into our Hospital to Home Service!
Do you have a passion for supporting others and want to use your own lived experience of mental health Recovery to make a difference? Join our friendly team in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area and help us support people as they transition from hospital to home.
You'll be working with a wonderful multi-disciplinary team, meeting people both on wards and in the community, ensuring everyone has a safe and supportive journey home.

🕒 Part-time (over 2–3 days, including Wednesdays)
📍 BCP area with visits to St Ann's Hospital therefore travel is essential

To apply, just send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]
Find out more: https://www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk/vacancies/2026/06/19/peer-specialist-hospital-to-home-service

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust



We'd love to hear from you!

02/07/2026

Weymouth The Retreat is now open every day from 4.30-11.30pm to support anyone experiencing or approaching a mental health crisis. Bournemouth's Retreat is also open every day during the same hours, ready to help.
In partnership with Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, both Retreats offer a safe, friendly space for anyone aged 18 or over to come in for face-to-face support from registered mental health practitioners and peer specialists with lived experience. For more details including location: https://www.the-retreat.org.uk/

01/07/2026

Live in the Swanage area? Find support for your mental health as the Community Front Rooms open a pop up version of their spaces.

Fridays 2.15pm-9.45pm in The Loft Swanage Community Centre

A new Community Front Room pop-up service is now available in Swanage, offering free, open-access mental health support for adults aged 18 and over. No referral or appointment is required.

Location: The Loft, 17A Commercial Road, Swanage, BH19 1DF
Opening Times: 2.15pm – 9.45pm
When: Every Friday until 5 September 2026 (except 17 July and 21 August)

Read more about Community Front Rooms on our website: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-and-sites/mental-health-and-learning-disabilities/community-front-rooms

BCHA

30/06/2026

Our Dorset Recovery Education team are looking forward to hosting a workshop on self compassion for carers at this event tomorrow, Wednesday 1 July. Pop down and join us 💚

Join us tomorrow for our FREE Dementia Health & Wellbeing Fair!

If you're living with dementia, awaiting a diagnosis, or caring for someone who is, we'd love to welcome you to our Dementia Health & Wellbeing Fair.

Wednesday 1 July
11:00am – 2:00pm
Redlands Leisure Centre, Weymouth

Come along to:
Access information and support
Learn about Nordic walking
Take part in free workshops
Connect with local organisations and services
And much more!

A limited number of FREE taxi journeys, kindly sponsored by Weyline Taxis, are available for those who would otherwise find it difficult to attend (first come, first served). If possible, please ask a family member, friend, neighbour or carer to book via: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/tumbledown/2271150 If this isn't possible, please call 01305 234090 for assistance.

No booking is required for the event – simply come along. We look forward to seeing you!