This year has been tough on all of us. Whether you’ve been impacted by furlough, job losses or face the pressures of being a key worker in the NHS or retail, coronavirus has created mass uncertainty. It’s important that local people can access information and signposting for their mental health and wellbeing. The Poole Dolphin Centre has recognised this and to offer a solution, they’ve partnered with local mental health charity Dorset Mind to offer monthly drop-in sessions at the Eco Hub inside the Centre.
The first sessions are on 9th and 10th October, between 10am and 2pm, to coincide with World Mental Health Day. Volunteer from the charity will provide information about mental health, signposting to services and support available across the county. This will include not only Dorset Mind’s services, but also other support available locally from organisations including the NHS and other key charities.
John Grinnell, Dolphin Shopping Centre Manager, says “The pandemic has put immense pressure on everyone and since we sit at the centre of our community, we want to provide local residents with the support that they require, in light of the current circumstances.
There are many students in the area who are away from home and potentially feeling very isolated, as well as many local families who may be tackling job losses or lower incomes due to the pandemic.
Our retailers have also had to adapt to different working conditions very quickly, and we hope by having Dorset Mind’s presence in the Centre, staff will feel encouraged to seek support if needed. Additionally, we are very close to Poole Hospital which allows NHS staff to attend the sessions.”
Marianne Storey, Dorset Mind’s CEO comments on the sessions, “We were pleased to be approached by the Dolphin Shopping Centre to help provide vital mental health support for the local community. It is really encouraging to see that businesses like this recognise that people need support with their mental health and wellbeing even more so during these difficult times.
Our regular presence in a place with a large footfall will not only provide a listening ear for passers by who may not have thought to seek help, but will also help to spread awareness about mental health – and help it become more normal to talk about. This is crucial in our mission to make mental health an everyday topic of conversation.
If we can remove the stigma around talking about our mental health challenges, we will make it easier and ‘ok’ for everyone to ask for help when they need it without hesitation.”
Dorset Mind provides a range of services for adults and young people from aged 11, that suffer with mental health problems across the county.
They offer group and one-to-one support options including support groups (talking and activity based), befriending, mentoring and counselling. The charity also provides a whole-school programme of support for young people in and out of school that includes a new wellbeing check-in service and counselling. For businesses and individuals, mental health training is available to help employers and employees alike.
If you, or anyone you know, are struggling with a mental health difficulty, or if you would like more information about support and training available across the county and nationwide, visit Dorset Mind’s website at https://dorsetmind.uk/
PLEASE SUPPORT US FOR JUST £2 A MONTH
