On Saturday many people braved the cold water at Branksome Chine beach to raise money for Dorset Mind.
This was Dorset Mind’s first ever Big Sea Dip and they hope to make it an annual event.
Fundraising Development Lead Marie Glen said: “This is our first sea dip that we’ve done so I’m very pleased to see so many people engage.
“I love seeing people have a good time, and knowing that we are doing something so invaluable in helping people with mental health illness is just the icing on the cake.”
She added: “I just want to say a big thank you to everybody who supports us, from individual fundraisers through to charity partners and local businesses.
“We are lucky to have such a great support network around us.”
Kirsty from Poole works in Marketing for Dorset Mind and took part in the event.
She said: “I am often found in the sea. I love to try and get in once a week, I think it massively helps with my mental health.
“I was a bit concerned that maybe only a few would come because it’s so cold, but it’s great, there is such an amazing swimming community here.
“This is actually where I would normally come to swim, and you always see someone in, even if it’s a bit choppy.
“So it’s really good that all these little communities are joining in to do something for a good cause.”
Dorset Mind is a self-funded charity that helps people in Dorset experiencing mental health problems access the vital support they need.
To find out more about the charity click here.
By Charlotte Coles