Dorset Mind, the mental health charity, has partnered with David Upshall Insurance Services, intending to offer much-needed mental health support services in Dorchester. The initial fundraising launch raised in excess of £2,100 to start funding.
Influential businessman David Upshall invited Dorchester’s Mayor Councillor Susie Hosford, local business people and key members of the community to attend the event at Kingston Maurward College.
Ex-Mayoress Anita Harries spoke poignantly about her lived experience of mental health to illustrate how it affects her. She received a rapturous round of applause.
Dorset Mind’s Patron, Dr Andy Mayers followed Anita with a short presentation about mental health and the importance of safe and responsive support services. He introduced Dorset Mind and their plans to implement such services in Dorchester.
Why does West Dorset need mental health services?
Right now, there are approximately 128,000 people in Dorset living with mental health challenges. And there are currently few mental health services in Dorchester and West Dorset without significant waiting times. To compound this, the recent Dorset CCG (Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group) Review recommended that the majority of statutory services should move to the east of the county.
This is where Dorset Mind hopes to help ease the burden somewhat. They recognize that when someone is in a mental health crisis they need help straight away – and help that is easily reached.
Apart from their Befriending Service (consisting of one-to-one individual support from a trained volunteer), Dorset Mind’s support groups operate on a self-referral basis. That is, people can simply turn up and attend a group immediately without a recommendation from a health professional. This means there is no lengthy waiting to access support.
Why has David Upshall chosen to support Dorset Mind?
David Upshall, Senior Partner of David Upshall Insurance Services explains why he has chosen to help financially support Dorset Mind. He said, “Mental illness and stress are a growing problem, especially when you consider the pace and pressures of everyday life. Here in West Dorset it’s no different. I’m truly delighted to link up with Dorset Mind and help them build services in this part of the County.”
“We are putting together a fundraising calendar with a series of events planned over the next few months. However it’s not just about fundraising, we also intend to raise mental health awareness. The team at Dorset Mind is already starting to plan how the funds can be used to help Dorchester and the West Dorset community.“
Commenting on this partnership,Dr. Andrew Mayers, Principal Academic at Bournemouth University and Patron for Dorset Mind said, “We recognise the huge need for mental health services in Dorset, and particularly in the west of the County. With David’s support and local knowledge, we believe we can help establish the vital support services that are needed. But of course this needs financial help to do so.”
“I’d like to thank David Upshall for hosting and funding the successful launch of our appeal, and also for his extremely generous donation of £1,000 to kick-start the fundraising. This illustrates how serious David is about investing in the mental health of his local community – by helping us to provide vital services for Dorchester.”
David Upshall has just announced the next fundraising event – an ‘Auction of Promises.’ It’s due to be held in September. All details will be announced via social media (Twitter: Dorset Mind, David Upshall. Facebook: Dorset Mind, David Upshall).
In the meantime, you can make a donation directly to help Dorset Mind expand their support services to Dorchester by following this link: Dorset Mind West Mental Health Services.
