Dorset Mental Health Forum

10/09/2026

This World Su***de Prevention Day, we're highlighting the power of being heard.
After losing her dad to su***de, Forum Peer Coordinator Sally found support that gave her a safe space to talk openly about her grief, without judgement or expectation. Her story is a powerful reminder that meaningful conversations can help people feel less alone and that reaching out for support can make a life changing difference.

Read Sally's story: https://www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk/blog/2026/09/05/world-su***de-prevention-day-blog

09/09/2026

Prefer to speak to a wellbeing coordinator virtually? Access Wellbeing Hubs are now providing online support once a week, as well as their new Monday to Friday telephone line 0800 870 8222 💚

NEW: Access Wellbeing online drop-in

From Wednesday 9 September, you’ll be able to access Access Wellbeing support online from wherever you are in Dorset.

📅 Every Wednesday
⏰ 10am–4pm
💻 Online via Attend Anywhere
🙋 For anyone aged 18+ living in Dorset
📋 No appointment or referral needed

Just join the virtual waiting area and speak privately with one of our Wellbeing Coordinators.

We’re also now able to offer repeat appointments by phone or video call, making it easier to continue accessing support.

Find out more about our new online drop-in and how it works: https://www.dorsetaccesswellbeing.co.uk/new-access-wellbeing-online-drop-in-service-launches/

BCHA Help & Care The Lantern Trust Dorset Mind The Harmony Centre - Bridport Dorset Dorset Mental Health Forum NHS Dorset BCP Council Dorset Council

05/09/2026

Today is International Day of Charity, a day recognised by the United Nations to celebrate the power of kindness, volunteering and community action in creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.

This message aligns closely with Give, one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing explored throughout our Dorset Recovery Education courses. Giving isn't only about money. It can be offering your time, sharing your skills, listening with compassion, supporting a neighbour, or using your lived experience to help others feel less alone.

These small acts can have a meaningful impact on both our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us. When we take the time to understand ourselves and others, we help create communities where people feel valued, included and supported.

If you'd like to learn more you can explore the Five Ways to Wellbeing videos and worksheets on the REC website here: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-and-sites/mental-health-and-learning-disabilities/recovery-education-centre/learn-online

28/08/2026

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 message
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

26/08/2026

Our peer specialist Tia works within the Access Wellbeing Weymouth drop-in space - in this blog she speaks about her role, the support people are looking for, and why community spaces like these make such a difference 💚

“It really is a place where people want to help, where the teams won't judge you... they will actually listen and care ” 💚

peer Tia works closely with Access Wellbeing Weymouth, regularly attending our drop-in spaces to offer support, share lived experience and help people connect with services.

In a recent conversation, Tia shared her experience of working alongside our Wellbeing Coordinators, the different struggles people bring through the door, and why accessible, community-based support matters so much.

👉 Read the full conversation on the Dorset Mental Health Forum website: https://www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk/blog/2026/08/12/helping-people-feel-heard-a-conversation-with-tia

BCHA Help & Care Dorset Mind The Harmony Centre - Bridport Dorset Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust NHS Dorset

20/08/2026

We have a few changes to our Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum timetable this month:

🌿Our Arts and Craft group takes a pause this month, returning Wednesday 2 September

🌿Our Weymouth Redlands Leisure & Community Park football group also takes a pause, returning in September

🌿Whilst the Lighthouse closes for its annual August refurb, our Wednesday social group will meet in The Kitchen Poole Park

🌿 Our fortnightly Dorchester women's group has a new home in the familiar Vivo Lounge

All latest updates are on our Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum page!

18/08/2026

Fantastic resource following on from the warm spaces campaign 💚

There are now over 180 listed across Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. We're continuing to add libraries, community venues, churches, leisure centres, cafés and other welcoming places where people can get away from the heat. Know somewhere we should add? Please tell us.


More Than 180 Cool Spaces Now Listed Across Dorset

We now have over 180 Cool Spaces listed across Dorset and BCP, helping people find welcoming public places where they can get away from the heat. We are continuing to add more and would love to hear your suggestions.

http://dlvr.it/TV1nBZ

17/08/2026

🏏 Thank you to Men's 1st Team Captain Brian, Women's Team Captain Rachel, and everyone who joined us for a coffee morning at the club on Saturday.

It was a lovely opportunity to chat, make connections and raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing in Dorset. Small conversations can make a real difference, helping people feel supported and reminding us that help is always within reach.

Well done to both teams for playing in the blistering heat, and thank you for the kind donation. Your support helps us continue our work promoting wellbeing and recovery across Dorset 💚

13/08/2026

A few of our Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum groups have changes - check below for updates 💚
Also see latest timetable here: https://www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk/be-connected/social-connection

Please take note of a few venue changes on our timetable:

-Poole social group on a Monday is currently taking place from The Kitchen Poole Park due to refurbishment. This will return to the Lighthouse Poole in September.

-Dorchester Women's group will be taking place from Vivo Lounge

-Weymouth Arts group is not running throughout August but will be returning to Hope House in September

11/08/2026

🌍One World Festival you were fantastic! The music, the delicious food smells, everyone coming together, what a great day Saturday was. We loved speaking to you all, you kept our team busy and the positive vibe was infectious!
Thank you for the loan of equipment and making us feel very welcome, much appreciated
Dorchester Town Council and South West Dorset Multicultural Network 💚