Coming out of lockdown is extremely difficult for people in a crisis experiencing emotional and/or mental health problems.
Please use the following links if you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
Talk to someone:
The Samaritans 24/7 Phoneline –
If you are desperate to talk to someone, the Samaritans can help – they offer emotional support and a listening ear 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:
Call them on 116 123 (24hr).
This is a FREEPHONE number that can even be called from a mobile that has no credit. Your call will not appear on the phone bill.
Connection 24/7 Phoneline for Dorset –
Connection is a 24/7 phone helpline for people of all ages in Dorset who are experiencing mental health issues and need support.
Call 111 and select ‘mental health’ or dial 0800 652 0190 to access support as part of the Dorset Crisis Response Service.
Connection also offers assessments for adults outside CMHT operating hours.
Shout 24/7 Text Support –
Shout 85258 is the UK’s FREE, confidential, 24/7 text support service.
Text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 and you will start a conversation with a trained Shout Volunteer, who can help if you’re struggling to cope and need mental health support.
See someone:
The Retreat and Community Front Rooms out-of-hours services for adults (18+)
If you feel yourself approaching crisis point, access 1-2-1 recovery focused support from a mental health professional or peer specialist with lived experience.
The Retreat
The Retreat, Bournemouth is open for face-to-face and virtual drop-ins from 4.30-11.30pm every day
The Retreat, Dorchester is open for face-to-face drop-ins from 4.30-11.30pm Sunday-Wednesday and virtual drop-ins from 4.30-11.30pm every day.
Access the online service here.
- Bournemouth: Hahnemann House, Hahnemann Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5JW.
- Dorchester: 30 Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester, DT1 2ER
Community Front Rooms
Community Front Rooms are open for face-to-face drop-ins and will continue to provide virtual drop-in sessions.
Both are available Thursday-Sunday from 3.15-10.45pm for support.
Access the online service here.
- Bridport: The Assembly Rooms, Gundry Lane, Bridport. DT6 3RL.
- Shaftesbury: Unit 4-6, Ploy 25c, Longmead Industrial Estate, Shaftesbury. SP7 8PL.
- Wareham: Unit 1, Leanne Business Centre, Sandford Lane, Wareham. BH20 4DY.
- Weymouth: 56, St. Mary Street, Weymouth. DT4 8PP.
Call your GP or Health Professional –
The first step to take to get help with your mental health (if you’re not in a crisis) is to call your GP or other allocated health professional (e.g Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) or Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)). You will be able to make an emergency appointment to see your doctor, or speak to them on the phone.
For out-of-office hours, call 111 and select ‘mental health.’
Physical or medical help:
If you or someone else is in serious risk of death or injury, call 999 and ask for the police and/or an ambulance.
National Phonelines:
Please follow the links to the website first to check full services are offered.
Anxiety UK:
Provides information, support and understanding via an extensive range of services, including 1:1 therapy. The charity is run by people with lived experience of anxiety, stress or anxiety-based depression.
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Call: 03444 775 774, Text: 07537 416 905
CALM:
Campaign Against Living Miserably leads a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day.
Opening Hours: 5pm to Midnight, daily
Call: 0800 58 58 58
Mind Infoline:
This phone line is a useful source of information for types of mental health problems, where to get help; medication and alternative treatments; and advocacy.
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays)
Call: 0300 123 3393
Papyrus
This charity is dedicated to preventing young suicide.
Opening Hours: 9am–Midnight every day
Call: 0800 068 4141, Text: 07860 039967
SANE
SANE is a leading UK mental health charity improving quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness – including family friends and carers.
Opening Hours: 4.30pm to 10.30pm, daily
Call: 0300 304 7000
The Silver Line
The Silver Line is a FREE confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, every day
Call: 0800 470 8090
Young Minds
Young Minds are a national charity specifically fighting for children and young people’s mental health.
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
Text: 85258, Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544
Dorset Mind is not a crisis service and whilst we can’t help people who may be in serious mental health distress, we are able to signpost to appropriate help.
