Mental health and wellbeing support

The information below provides details of national and local services that may be helpful if you are looking for mental health or wellbeing support.

Please note: these organisations are independent services. If you need urgent or emergency help, please see the Urgent and emergency support section below.

National mental health support

  • Samaritans – 116 123
    www.samaritans.org
    Free, confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day.

  • Shout 85258 – Text SHOUT to 85258
    www.giveusashout.org
    Free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support by text for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope

  • Mind – 0300 123 3393
    www.mind.org.uk
    Information and support relating to mental health.

  • SANE – 0300 304 7000
    www.sane.org.uk
    Mental health information and emotional support.

NHS Talking Therapies

If you are an adult in England experiencing difficulties such as anxiety or depression, you may be able to access NHS Talking Therapies. In many areas you can refer yourself without first seeing your GP. [england.nhs.uk], [nhs.uk]

Find your local service:
www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-nhs-talking-therapies-service

Mental health support in Dorset

  • Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
    www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk

  • Connection – 0800 652 0190
    A free, 24-hour mental health helpline for people of all ages in Dorset. It is available to Dorset residents and people visiting Dorset.

  • Steps2Wellbeing – NHS Talking Therapies Dorset – 0800 484 0500
    www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk
    A free NHS Talking Therapies service for adults in Dorset. Self-referral is available online or by telephone.

Other useful organisations

Urgent and emergency mental health support

If you need urgent help

If you are experiencing significant mental distress or feel you are approaching a crisis:

  • Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or use NHS 111 online.

  • In Dorset, contact Connection on 0800 652 0190, available 24 hours a day.

  • You can also contact your GP and ask for an urgent appointment.

  • Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123 if you need someone to talk to.

If there is an immediate risk

Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E if someone's life is at risk, or you do not feel that you can keep yourself or someone else safe.

Worried about someone else?

If you are concerned about someone's mental health, encourage them to seek support from their GP or NHS 111.

If you believe that they or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.

In Dorset, Connection (0800 652 0190) can also provide support to people experiencing or approaching a mental health crisis.

Professional bodies and guidance

These links are provided for information and signposting. Inclusion of an organisation does not constitute endorsement, and services and contact details may change. Please check the organisation's website for current information.