Access Wellbeing launches in West Dorset
A new mental health and wellbeing service has officially launched in West Dorset, at an event attended by the High Sheriff of Dorset and Deputy Mayor of Bridport.
The new Access Wellbeing West Dorset drop-in spaces will offer people a welcoming place to find support, with services located in Bridport, Beaminster, Lyme Regis and Maiden Newton. They are open to anyone aged 18 or over, with no appointment needed.
The official launch of the new Access Wellbeing West Dorset service took place on Wednesday 14 May, during Mental Health Awareness Week, at The Harmony Centre in Bridport. Speaking at the launch, Callum Bremner JP, High Sheriff of Dorset, said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to come here today. I was amazed when I walked through the door, it feels so welcoming and comfortable. As part of my role, I have the opportunity to celebrate and honour people who work in the voluntary sector in Dorset, to thank them for their amazing work. Today is part of a bigger initiative about bringing people together to support mental health and wellbeing, and it’s music to my ears.
“To me, community is all about supporting each other with a smile. I’m in awe of what you’ve achieved and are continuing to achieve, and I would like to thank you on behalf of His Majesty for that.”
Cllr Jonathan Bourbon, Deputy Mayor of Bridport, added: “It’s so important to have a hub like this where people can walk in for free support and advice – it’s invaluable. I would like to thank all the sponsors – Dorset HealthCare, the councils, charities and community groups that all help to make this a success.”
Access Wellbeing is a pioneering partnership between the voluntary sector and NHS, offering people easier access to mental health and wellbeing support within their communities. Drop-in spaces and hubs are opening across Dorset, which are managed by five charity partners – BCHA, The Lantern Trust, Help & Care, Dorset Mind and Harmony – in contract with Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust.
The new Access Wellbeing West Dorset services are managed by Harmony.
T Bovingdon, CEO at Harmony, said: “We were delighted to welcome people along to The Harmony Centre, to find out more about our new Access Wellbeing drop-in spaces across West Dorset. We know that sometimes the challenges we face in our day-to-day life can impact our mental health, but it can be hard to know where to turn. We’re so pleased to be opening new drop-in services in the heart of West Dorset communities, giving people a welcoming space to go if they need to talk.
“We offer person-centred support, so whatever’s on your mind, we’re here to help; whether you’re worried about practical issues such as money, housing or work, having a tough time emotionally, or you just need a listening ear. You don’t need to be referred… you can just drop in to see us and we can take the time to listen and walk alongside you to address any issues before they become more stressful, or connect you to further specialist support and advice when needed.”
