A Dorset charity is launching a new approach to a mental health campaign after working with more than 100 schools across the county.
Dee Swinton, Dorset Mind’s Marketing Manager and Income Generator emphasises the importance of mental health resources for the younger generation.
“We’ve worked with 87 schools in the last 3 years. We were only ever set up to do four schools a year so you can see that the demand for young people’s support is incredible.”
Dorset Mind’s initiative was previously a wellbeing check-in service for people between the ages of 11 and 25.
The service offered 60 minute sessions once a week for up to three months.
The relaunch is for the end of February and will focus more on the individual person’s goals.
“Going forwards, we are gonna make it more goal focused so we want young people to benefit from the service and aim towards outcomes so we’re gonna work with them to set goals at the beginning. We will have flexibility. We’re offering up to six months support for free. But there is the opportunity to extend if someone needs further support.”
The charity want to raise awareness and address the stigma around mental health.
We listen to them and support and help them talk through their issues.
“We deliver support for adults and young people across Dorset. When we speak to people, they trust us and open up which is really important. It’s not counselling, it’s more mentoring. We listen to them and support and help them talk through their issues. We have a listening ear with a bit more direction.”
“We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem in Dorset gets support and respect.”
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