Dorset Mental Health Forum

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

04/12/2025

We’re here today in the Gather space in The Dolphin Poole with Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck and lots of other supportive organisations - pop by between shopping or your lunch break, event is from 10am to 4pm.

✅ Get advice on cutting energy costs and finding support
✅ Pick up a FREE Winter Warmer pack
✅ Chat with us about how connection supports Wellbeing and Recovery
✅ Discover our Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum activities and Dorset Recovery Education courses

We'd love to see you! 💚

03/12/2025

"The Sunset after you" is a beautiful poem written by one of our peers in recognition of National Grief Awareness Week. Thank you for sharing this with us Sally 💚

01/12/2025

We’re delighted to join Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck in the Gather space inside The Dolphin Poole for an important conversation about fuel poverty and wellbeing.
Struggling to keep your home warm affects more than your wallet—it impacts mental and physical health too. This event, on from 10am to 4pm on Thurs 4 December, offers practical help and a chance to connect with a range of supportive organisations.

✅ Get advice on cutting energy costs and finding support
✅ Pick up a FREE Winter Warmer pack
✅ Chat with us about how connection supports Wellbeing and Recovery
✅ Discover our Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum activities and Dorset Recovery Education Centre courses - all either no, or low cost

We'd love to see you this week; in-between shopping or your lunch break, we're here for a chat.

27/11/2025

Some of our upcoming Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum groups in Weymouth are taking on a festive twist! All sessions are either low or no cost, and there’s no pressure – join us if it feels right for you.

Board Games Group
Dry Dock – this Fri 28 November, 2pm–4pm
Join us for an afternoon of classic board games with a festive twist. Bring your own too!

Arts & Crafts Workshops
Hope House, Weymouth with The Lantern Trust and Weymouth & Portland Community Resource Team
Felt Ornaments: Wed 3 December, 2pm–3.30pm
Festive Jam Jars: Wed 10 December, 2pm–3.30pm
Enjoy some creative time making decorations and gifts.

Social Gym Group
Coastland College - Weymouth – Tue 16 December, 3.15pm–4.15pm
Get moving at our informal group – don’t forget your festive gym gear!

Music Appreciation Group
Hope House, Weymouth – Fri 19 December, 1.30pm–3pm
Celebrate the season through music and shared memories.

These groups are all about connection, creativity, and wellbeing.

📞 For details: 01305 818595
📧 Email: sportsandsocial@dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk
🌐 Link in bio to weekly activities list

26/11/2025

❄️ Warm up with a cuppa and a chat; our team are in the Gillingham Waitrose & Partners cafe today between 10am and 1pm. Come along and connect with what's happening in your community.
We'd love to see you! 💚

25/11/2025

Pop by this event tomorrow, then come and warm up with us in the Waitrose & Partners cafe, we're there from 10am-1pm 💚

Our Energy Advice Bus will be stopping in Gillingham on Wednesdays throughout November!

We'll be there tomorrow Wednesday 26th November 10:30am-1:30pm - As part of Fuel Poverty Awareness Day on 26th Nov, we'll be giving away Winter Warmer Packs (first come first served!), incl. a blankets, hot water bottle, gloves, hot chocolate etc..

Gillingham Town Meadow, High Street, SP8 4A

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

If you can't make the bus, you can call us on 01929 775500.

24/11/2025

Join us this Wednesday 26 November inside the cafe at Gillingham Waitrose & Partners, where we are continuing the conversation around what connection means to you. We would love to hear your thoughts and stories! Stop by between 10am and 1pm, to chat with our Peer team.

20/11/2025

Take a moment to have a look at Help & Cares brand new Dorset Carers Service for residents in the Dorset Council area.
BCP Carer Support continue to help you if you are a BCP Council resident 💚

20/11/2025

Today is Carers Rights Day! 📢
This is a chance to recognise the incredible contribution of unpaid carers and make sure every carer knows their rights and the support available to them, today and year round.
Our Dorset have pulled together resources and information in a central source:
👉 https://ourdorset.org.uk/carers/carers-rights-day/
Take a moment to explore what’s on and how you can get involved - our Dorset Recovery Education team will be at the Weymouth & Portland Primary Care Network event in Wellworthy Social Club, Weymouth

19/11/2025

Save the dates for our community pop-ups in and !
Speak with our peer team to explore how connection supports your Wellbeing and Recovery.
Welcoming spaces with time to chat, learn, and reflect.

📅 Wednesday 26 NOVEMBER 2025 | 10 AM–1 PM
Waitrose & Partners Gillingham cafe space

📅 Thursday 4 DECEMBER 2025 | 10 AM–4 PM
Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck fuel poverty awareness event
GATHER community space, Dolphin Centre Poole

Discover our Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum regular activities programme, and Dorset Recovery Education Centre courses with a focus on building community and belonging.
All on your doorstep 💚

We'd love to see you there!


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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