Mental Health Support (correct as of November 2024)

 Connections is a round-the-clock helpline for people of all ages, anywhere in Dorset, who are experiencing mental health problems and need support. 

The number – 0800 652 0190 – offers free 24/7 telephone access to mental health advice and support. You do not need to be known to mental health services, and you can call for support & advice about a friend or family member.  

The Retreats are safe places you can just turn up at & ring the doorbell for crisis support for your mental health. 

The Bournemouth Retreat is open from 4.30-11.30pm every day. Dorchester’s Retreat is open from 4.30-11.30pm Saturday-Wednesday for face-to-face drop-ins. The Retreat is an open access service for adults aged 18 and over. The Retreat is not able to work with people who: 

• require medical attention beyond basic first aid/wound care 
• are intoxicated by alcohol or substances 
• display threatening or physically aggressive behaviour 
• are under the age of 18. Our functional medicine approach focuses on identifying the root cause of your health issues and creating a personalized plan to address them.

 STEPS2WELLBEING is the local NHS Talking Therapies service for mild-moderate mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, previous trauma, as well as long term health conditions; to find out more contact them on or 0800 484 0500.  

 DORSET REC offer courses ran by healthcare professionals and people with lived experience; their termly timetables offer all sorts of support from managing emotions to living well with ADHD. You don’t need a formal diagnosis but you need to be 18 years+ and must enrol/register first. Available at

For those who have sadly been affected by bereavement, Dorset offer a single stop service called OPEN DOOR DORSET; to find out what bereavement services maybe suitable for you, please complete this form and someone will make contact with you

For support with drug & alcohol use, REACH may be able to offer support, link below or call 0800 043 4656.

Support for those who have experienced domestic abuse, no matter when it occurred, can be accessed via PARAGON

 Sexual trauma support is available from STARS

 FIRSTPOINT DORSET work with people aged 16+, providing help and support to reduce homelessness, poverty, poor physical or mental health, or social isolation & more info can be found here

WELLBEING HUBS offer ‘drop-in’ support for mental health, emotional wellbeing, social connection, grief, work, money, housing and for carers/family members. Poole Dolphin Centre 1st floor - Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Wimborne Community Centre, King Street Car Park - Fridays (from 14th Feb) - 10am-4pm. Ferndown - The Centre, Trickett’s Cross-Mondays 9am-1pm.

Your GP surgery also has a specialist mental health practitioner and social prescriber/wellbeing coaches who are available for you to make appointments with.