New drop-in wellbeing hubs launch across North Dorset
Adults struggling with anxiety or depression in North Dorset can now seek help locally
Free mental health and wellbeing support is now available at new drop-in hubs across North Dorset, offering residents over the age of 18 a safe and welcoming space without the need for an appointment.
The Access Wellbeing drop-in spaces, managed by Dorset Mind in partnership with four local charities and the NHS, have opened in Blandford, Gillingham, Sherborne and Sturminster Newton, with a fifth hub in Shaftesbury set to launch on 3 September.
The hubs provide support not only for mental health and emotional wellbeing but also for practical concerns such as housing, finances, employment and social isolation. Visitors are met by trained wellbeing coordinators who take the time to listen and either offer guidance themselves or direct people towards other services.
“People can come and talk to us about housing, their career, social connections, grief – whatever it is, it’s just really important that people start talking,” said David Sutherland, Senior Access Wellbeing Coordinator for North Dorset.
Sutherland added that the speed of support is key: “We’re very proud of the fact that we can talk to people straight away or within a week, because that quickness probably releases stress.”
While not a crisis service, the hubs aim to provide early intervention for those experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression, helping to prevent issues from escalating.
“There’s a lot of things going on in the world at the moment that create anxiety for people, and we are there to talk about whatever it is that people need,” Sutherland said.
The initiative is part of a wider effort to improve access to mental health and wellbeing services across Dorset, ensuring people can find help when they need it most.