DORSET Mind’s Adult Services Team have launched low-cost counselling to help support ongoing mental health issues concerns impacted and exacerbated by the pandemic.

Requests for help rose yet again during the third lockdown period, with many communities need help more than ever.

Additional periods of uncertainty and difficult working environments, combined with returning to ‘normality’ and financial difficulties led to many people experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety, burnout and depression.

Adult Services Manager at Dorset Mind Nicole McCormack said: “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. Demand for 1-2-1 support, especially counselling is going to be vital moving forward.”

The charity has announced that their Adult Counselling is now open and accepting referrals.

The Adult Services 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.

Dorset Mind CEO Marianne Storey said: “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.”

To find out more about 1-2-1 counselling Dorset Mind offers for adults in Dorset, visit the charity’s website: https://dorsetmind.uk/help-and-support/adult-counselling/.