Dorset Mental Health Forum

04/03/2026

The Retreat in Weymouth has opened - every Friday to Tuesday 👇

Following changes to the Access Mental Health services earlier this year, The Retreat in Dorchester (Maiden Castle Road) is now closed and has relocated to Weymouth (The Lantern Trust, Ranelagh Road, Weymouth DT4 7JD) as of today (3 March).

Weymouth’s Retreat will be open for face-to-face support Friday to Tuesday from 4.30-11.30pm, and closed Wednesday and Thursday until further notice.

Parking is available at a nearby pay and display car park and there is roadside parking for one hour. There’s also a bus stop and Weymouth train station close by.

For further information on Access Mental Health services, visit our website: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/access-mental-health

The Retreat

24/02/2026

Ready to welcome you at our stand during the monthly The Blandford Group Practice Wellbeing Support Walk-In event. Want to have a chat and a cuppa, with lots of local organisations ready to support you and your wellbeing? On from 10am until 12noon today at the Corn Exchange in the Market Place.

We can’t wait to meet you!

20/02/2026

We all have a right to a life worth living.
This let's shift the conversation around serious mental illness. Let's help to break the stigma.

Our blog and video explore a powerful lived experience conversation that challenges outdated perceptions and reminds us that everyone has an equal right to dignity, respect and opportunity.

https://www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk/blog/2025/11/14/living-with-serious-mental-illness-seeing-the-person-not-the-diagnosis

Discover why living with serious mental illness doesn’t define a person - and how we can break stigma and build a more inclusive, compassionate society.

18/02/2026

Looking for connection and support local to you? Join us next week in Blandford for a morning dedicated to wellbeing and community!

Our team will be at the monthly The Blandford Group Practice Wellbeing Support Walk-In alongside local organisations. Whether you’re curious about local resources or simply want to have a chat and a cuppa, everyone is welcome.

🗓️ Tuesday 24 February | 10 AM – 12 NOON
📍 Corn Exchange, Market Place, Blandford Forum DT11 7AG

You can expect:
✨ Wellbeing advice and blood pressure checks
✨ Help with digital healthcare services
✨ Info on our Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum activities and Dorset Recovery Education courses

We can’t wait to meet you!

16/02/2026

“You stop looking down, and you look up a bit more.”
Sometimes hope appears in the smallest of moments. A conversation, a shared walk, the feeling of being understood. When physical activity is supported with care and community, it can help you rediscover confidence and possibility.

Read our article to learn more about why living with a serious mental illness (SMI) and moving more isn’t just about finding motivation — it’s about feeling safe, supported, and connected.

https://www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk/blog/2025/11/14/physical-activity-and-mental-health-breaking-down-barriers-together

Discover why physical activity can feel challenging for people living with mental ill health - and how connection, choice, and community make Recovery possible.

13/02/2026

There have been some recent changes to the Community Front Rooms (CFRs) and The Retreats in Dorchester and Weymouth.

The Weymouth CFR (St Mary’s Street) has now closed and a new CFR is open in Dorchester (19 High East Street, DT1 1HH) Thursday-Sunday, 2.15-9.45pm.

The Retreat in Dorchester (Maiden Castle Road) will be open Friday to Tuesday, 4.30-11.30pm, until it relocates to Weymouth, at a new venue (The Lantern Trust, Ranelagh Road, Weymouth DT4 7JD). Further details on the opening will be shared soon.

The county’s Connection helpline is open 24/7 for support, advice and signposting for anyone in Dorset. Direct dial 0800 652 0190 or call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.

For further information and latest updates, please visit: http://dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/access-mental-health

Access Wellbeing Hubs BCHA Dorset Mental Health Forum
NHS Dorset The Retreat

10/02/2026

We continue to bring opportunities for connection, conversation, and community to you...our team will be in Blandford two weeks today!

We’ll be at the The Blandford Group Practice wellbeing support walk‑in event, alongside other fantastic local organisations. This event is open to anyone who’d like to explore local support or simply come along for a friendly chat.

🗓️ Tuesday 24 February | 10 AM – 12 NOON
📍 Corn Exchange, Blandford Forum

Drop in to:
✅ Get wellbeing advice and blood pressure checks
✅ Find support with digital healthcare services
✅ Chat with our Peer Specialists about how connection can support your Wellbeing and Recovery
✅ Learn more about our Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum activities and Dorset Recovery Education courses

Stop by, say hello, and enjoy a cuppa with lots of brilliant community organisations. Everyone is welcome.

06/02/2026

Great to see this happening - and to hear how much a space like this would have positively shaped our Dorset Discovery Project young peer coordinator Will’s recovery journey 💚

05/02/2026

You don’t have to have all the answers—sometimes, simply reaching out and talking can make all the difference. This , let’s break the silence together. Start a conversation, check in with someone, and remember: you’re never alone.

Need support in Dorset?
Access Wellbeing Hubs and community spaces offer a safe, welcoming place to chat with a wellbeing coordinator.

The Retreat, Community Front Rooms and Connections line 0800 652 0190 are here for you when things feel overwhelming.

Dorset Recovery Education Centre is a space to learn, share, and connect with others on their Recovery journey.

Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum run a variety of regular weekly groups, open to all aged 16+.

Dorset Open Door provides compassionate bereavement support, helping to navigate to resources.

Let’s support each other, today and every day.

03/02/2026

Looking for a friendly space to connect and unwind? Join us at our evening social group every Tuesday at The Old School House in Boscombe from 6pm to 8pm.

Our group enjoy a relaxed chat in this vibrant, creative community hub. Ages 16+ welcome, see you there?

For more details of our Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum social groups across the county check: https://www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk/be-connected/social-connection

02/02/2026

Our weekly Sports and Social by Dorset Mental Health Forum football group look forward to trying the new pitches out in coming months ⚽️ 💚

29/01/2026