We are excited to announce that Dorset Mind celebrates 75 years of supporting Dorset’s mental health this year! To mark this impressive milestone, we’re looking back at our history and sharing our celebration plans.
Read on to learn more about your local mental health charity and the support we offer local people.
History
Established in November 1946, Dorset Mind was initially known as the ‘Bournemouth Association for Mental Health’ (BAMH). Doris Odlum, a local Psychiatrist, founded the association to provide a space for professionals to discuss mental health.
In 1971, BAMH opened their first service and in the 1980s, the closure of mental health institutions triggered a rise in demand for community and volunteer mental health services.
In the 2000s, the BAMH became part of the Mind network; and became known as Dorset Mind.
In recent years Dorset Mind has grown to support people across the county. Our vision is not to give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem in Dorset gets support and respect.
Recent Challenges and continued support
This last year has been unbearably tough for everyone. Due to COVID-19 and lockdowns, Dorset Mind faced a funding emergency; some fundraising sources ceased entirely.
Despite these challenges, our staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to continue supporting vulnerable people. It was important not to let anyone feel they were alone. Our first challenge was transferring our face-to-face support to online or telephone delivery. We quickly mobilised our facilitators and befrienders to ensure that our service-users were regularly contacted.
Our support remains a hybrid of online and phone support. We deliver support for adults and young people that includes Active Monitoring, Befriending, Counselling, Education, Mentoring, Support Groups and Training.
Celebrations
While the last 75 years have not been without setbacks, Dorset Mind continues to grow, recently launching Counselling for Adults.
We plan to start our 75th year by organising 75 people to skydive on the same day! We are offering a discounted fundraising target to encourage people to take part; visit https://bit.ly/75forskydive to take advantage of this offer.
All fundraising for Dorset Mind stays within Dorset to support local people’s mental health. All donations help to protect the future of Dorset Mind as we work hard to meet the increased demand for our services in these uncertain times.
Learn more about our services or make a donation by visiting dorsetmind.uk (adults), or dorsetmindyourhead.co.uk (young people).
In a crisis, please call 999 or The Samaritans on 116 123.
In association with Dorset Mind
