Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social well-being and is about how people think, feel and behave. We want anyone experiencing a mental health problem to get the support that best suits their needs.

By phone

Call 0800 652 0190 The Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust Helpline

The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  If you call, you'll speak to a professional in your local NHS mental health service.  They can discuss your current mental health needs and provide access to further support if needed.

Calls to NHS urgent mental health helplines are free. 

By SMS Text

You can text "SHOUT" to 85258, free from all major UK mobile networks.  You'll then be connected to a volunteer for an anonymous conversation by text message.

Online

Visit the NHS Dorset Healthcare Access Mental Health Services web page here>>

Your first port of call may be to contact us.  However, having that first conversation about your deepest feelings with a GP or Practice Nurse is not always easy, especially if it is someone you may not know well.  So the mental health charity,  Mind, has made a short film and guide on making the most of your consultation.  Watch Mind's animation on how to find the words to talk to your GP about your mental health.

We may refer you to Steps2Wellbeing, a free, confidential service for anyone aged 18 and over registered at a GP surgery in Dorset.  You can also sign yourself up quickly and privately using their online form at www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk or by phoning 0800 484 0500.

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Steps2wellbeing offer a Body and Mind Service which can  help you to feel better emotionally if you are living with a long-term  health condition like:

• diabetes
• IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
• chronic pain
• lung conditions • heart and stroke. 

Their specialist employment advisers can help you with:

• stress at work
• going back after a break
• looking for a new job.

 "Steps2Wellbeing helped me to feel a lot happer in myself"

Download and view or print out their A5 leaflet about their service here:>>

Further information and support for your mental health can be found on the NHS website here:>>

• Visit the NHS’s children and young people’s mental health hub to find out what support is available to you and your loved ones. Follow this link to find advice and support about mental health for children, teenagers, students and parents>>
• Information and advice on children's mental health and wellbeing can also be found on the Healthier Together website by following this link>>
• Find resources and support for 11 - 18 year olds through the online mental wellbeing community Kooth on their website, www.kooth.com. 

Our Social Prescribers offer a service for children and young people living in West Dorset.

Social Prescribing gives people the opportunity to make connections in their area for support, new activities or ways to help boost their wellbeing in a non-medical way.

Patients are connected to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.

This service can help patients if:

• They need linking to support for mental and physical health issues, such as smoking cessation and healthy eating
• They are feeling isolated and want assistance in becoming more involved in your community
• They are struggling with work, housing or money worries

Download and view this leaflet to find out more>> or visit the Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network Social Prescribing page by following this link:>>

You can contact the Social Prescribing team by phone on 01308 428943 or via email to jcsocialprescribing@dorsetgp.nhs.uk.

For more information on support available to you, please visit our Carers Support page here>>