Helpful Mental Health Resources in Dorset
Need urgent help now?
If you are struggling with your mental health, feeling overwhelmed or worried about someone else, support is available. The organisations below offer urgent help, NHS services, talking therapies, practical advice and community support in Dorset.
If someone is in immediate danger
Call 999 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency department if you or someone else is at immediate risk of serious harm.
Connection: Dorset’s 24/7 mental health helpline
Free, confidential NHS mental health support for people of all ages in Dorset. You do not need to be receiving mental health services already. You can also call if you are concerned about a friend or family member.
Call:0800 652 0190
Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website:Connection mental health helpline
You can also call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
Samaritans
Free, confidential emotional support for anyone who is struggling to cope. You do not have to be suicidal to call.
Call:116 123
Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website:Samaritans
Shout
A free, confidential text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope and would prefer not to speak on the telephone.
Text:SHOUT to 85258
Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website:Shout 85258
NHS and face-to-face support in Dorset
Your GP
Your GP can discuss how you are feeling, explore treatment and support options, and refer you to specialist mental health services where appropriate. If your surgery is closed and you need help urgently, contact NHS 111.
Website:Find an NHS GP
The Retreat
The Retreat provides a safe, welcoming place where adults experiencing mental distress can speak face to face with mental health professionals and peer-support workers. You do not need an appointment.
Locations and opening hours can change, so check the NHS webpage or call Connection before travelling.
Website:The Retreat
Access Wellbeing Dorset
Free mental health and wellbeing support for anyone aged 18 or over in Dorset, with no appointment needed. Wellbeing coordinators can help with emotional wellbeing as well as practical concerns such as money, housing, work and loneliness.
Call:0800 870 8222
Telephone hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am–4.30pm
Website:Access Wellbeing Dorset
Talking therapies and ongoing support
Steps2Wellbeing
A free NHS Talking Therapies service for adults aged 18 or over who are registered with a Dorset GP. It supports people experiencing difficulties including anxiety, depression, stress and low mood. You can refer yourself online without first seeing your GP.
Call:0800 484 0500
Website and self-referral:Steps2Wellbeing
Dorset Mind
A local mental health charity offering wellbeing programmes, peer support, education and useful information for people across Dorset. Dorset Mind is not a crisis service.
Website: Dorset Mind
Dorset Mental Health Forum
A local peer-led charity run by people with lived experience of mental health difficulties, trauma and recovery. It offers recovery-focused activities, social groups and opportunities for connection across Dorset.
Call:01305 257172
Email:hello@dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk
Website:Dorset Mental Health Forum
Find practical and community support
Help and Kindness
An online directory of local organisations, services, support groups and community activities across Dorset. You can search by subject and location to find help close to home.
Website:Help and Kindness
Dorset Council mental health and wellbeing information
Information and signposting to services that can support mental health and wellbeing in Dorset.
Website:Dorset Council: managing mental health and wellbeing
Carer Support Dorset
Information, advice and support for unpaid carers, including people supporting someone with a mental health condition.
Call:0800 368 8349
Website:Carer Support Dorset
Support for children and young people
Dorset CAMHS
Dorset’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services provide specialist support for children and young people experiencing significant mental health difficulties. Referral routes vary by age and need; the CAMHS website explains how to access help. Young people aged 16–17 can use the online self-referral form.
Call:0300 0191 770
Website:Dorset CAMHS
Childline
Free, confidential support for anyone under 19. Calls do not appear on the telephone bill.
Call:0800 1111
Website and online chat:Childline
PAPYRUS HOPELINE247
Confidential suicide-prevention support for children and young people under 35, and for anyone concerned about a young person who may be having thoughts of suicide.
Call:0300 102 2470
Text:HOPE to 88247
Email:pat@papyrus-uk.org
Website:HOPELINE247
A note about this page
The Rooms Poundbury provides this information for signposting purposes and does not operate or endorse the external services listed. Availability, eligibility and contact details may change, so please check the organisation’s own website for the latest information.
This page is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or emergency care. If you are unsure what kind of help you need, contact your GP, call NHS 111 or call Dorset’s Connection helpline on 0800 652 0190.
Contact information checked: 28 August 2026.