If you are feeling very distressed, despairing, or suicidal and need immediate help please either:
- Contact your GP and request an emergency appointment
- Contact the Samaritans to talk confidentially 24/7 by calling 116 123
- Call NHS 111 to speak over the phone or use their online service.
- Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19
If you think you need urgent mental health help, it’s important to get in touch as soon as possible. Remember, you are not wasting anyone’s time.
Other ways to get urgent help in Dorset
If you live in Dorset
- Access Mental Health can help you in a crisis
- or call the Connection phone line anytime 24/7, on 0800 652 0190
- or call NHS 111
Face-to-face or virtual drop-ins
The Retreat
The Retreat is a safe place to go if you are struggling to cope. They offer face-to- face drop-ins. There’s no need to phone ahead, just turn up during opening hours.
Bournemouth – 4.30pm-11.30pm, Hahnemann Road, Bournemouth BH2 5JW
Dorchester – 4.30pm-11.30pm, 30 Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester, DT1 2ER
Community Front Rooms
Community Front Rooms are available to anyone over 18 who needs face-to-face in Bridport, Wareham, Weymouth or Shaftesbury.
Click here to find your nearest location.
They are open for face to face or virtual drop-in, Thursday-Sunday from 2.15pm to 9.45pm.
To access these locations virtually, click on your nearest location.
Bridport – Wareham – Weymouth – Shaftesbury
They are staffed by mental health professionals and peer specialists (people with personal experience of mental health issues).
They are welcoming, informal, safe spaces where you can discuss your problems.
Worried about someone else?
If you are concerned that someone else is very distressed and might be considering suicide, please encourage them to contact their GP and make an emergency appointment.
Alternatively, you might wish to encourage them to speak to the Samaritans on 116 123.
If you are worried someone is about to hurt someone else, please contact the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.