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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Dorset Mental Health Forum

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Dorset Mental Health Forum

A peer run charity in promoting wellbeing & recovery through lived experience

This page isn't constantly monitored and we are unable to provide medical advice. If you need urgent mental health support you can:
Call the Connections 24/7 phone line on 0800 652 0190
Drop in, in person or virtually at the Retreats and Community Front rooms
Call NHS 111 and state mental health
More details on the above locations and opening times are at: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/access-mental-health

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

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

Address

29-29a Durngate Street
Dorchester
DT11JP

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441305257172

Website

http://www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk/, https://linktr.ee/dorsetmentalhealthforum

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