Dorset Mind launch low-cost counselling service as demand for help rises
1-2-1 adult counselling is now open and accepting referrals in Dorset
Since the third lockdown Dorset Mind have a seen a stark rise in requests for mental health help.
Their Adult Services Team have responded by launching low-cost counselling to help support ongoing mental health issues and concerns they witnessed.
The NHS predicts that as a direct result of the pandemic 10 million people (8.5 million adults and 1.5 million child) will need mental health support.
Dorset Mind Counselling aims to provide people with an affordable safe space to talk through how they feel. Importantly, it will help equip people with tools they need to thrive and not just survive.
The charity is now accepting referrals. The team have built a stable of counsellors, with an extensive range of experience between them.
The intention is for people to be triaged and assessed on referral and allocated an experienced or placement counsellor or depending on the support requirement their case merits.
The charity realised that everyone was affected in lockdown, whatever their personal situation - they all faced challenges to their circumstance.
Additional periods of uncertainty, difficult working environments (if they hadn't lost their jobs), combined with returning to 'normality' and financial difficulties led to many people experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety, burnout and depression.
Lack of support networks through the lockdown restrictions led to mental wellbeing worsening. Dorset Mind is determined to help fill the gap in support with this new service.
Nicole McCormack, Adult Services Manager at Dorset Mind says,
"It comes as no surprise - eighteen months plus of lockdown has challenged us mentally, physically and emotionally. The uncertainty of this period has been extremely hard for people to cope with, and we recognize that people need to talk about the isolation and loneliness they have experienced - and indeed some of the things they've witnessed if they've been on the frontline or are key workers.
"Referrals for some of our support rose by over 80% during lockdown and we wanted to add to counselling to complement the 1-2-1 services we already provide. Namely, active monitoring, befriending, and mentoring. Demand for 1-2-1 support, especially counselling is going to be vital moving forward."
Marianne Storey, Dorset Mind CEO told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"As a local Mind, we have the flexibility to react swiftly to the needs of our communities. We've expanded the 1-2-1 support we can offer people - at cost. We don't make any profit. Ideally, we want to offer this service free across the county, but due to funding scarcity we currently have to charge clients. If an organisation or individual wants to sponsor this service, please get in touch via our website.
"Our new service adds considerable substance to our established support for mental health. Counselling can help lead to positive change in people's lives and help equip them with ability to face the future with confidence."
If you want to find out more about 1-2-1 counselling Dorset Mind offers for adults in Dorset, visit the charity's website.