A CONCERT in Dorchester will be raising funds to expand a mental health outreach service.

The service is provided by Citizens Advice Dorchester, Sherborne and Districts.

The charity currently offers help for people with mental health problems by a specialist adviser two days a week but needs to expand to meet increased demand.

Renowned west Dorset choir, The Encore Singers will be performing at the United Church in South Street on Saturday, May 20 to raise money for the project.

The free concert starts at 7.30pm with doors opening from 7pm.

Refreshments will be available and there will be a retiring collection in aid of the Mental Health Outreach Project.

Daniel Cadisch, chief officer of Citizens Advice Dorchester, Sherborne and Districts and North Dorset, said: “Our Mental Health Outreach Project has been successfully providing advice to people with mental health problems for more than five years and has helped more than 320 clients.

"It helps break down the barriers for those who need advice and support, particularly with welfare benefits, debt and housing who, because of their illness, find it difficult to access traditional Citizens Advice services.

“We employ a dedicated member of staff who generally sees clients at our Dorchester office on Mondays and in Sherborne on Wednesdays.

"He receives referrals from GPs and community mental teams as well as direct contact from clients. It calls for more support and more time for clients with mental health problems.

“There is no doubt that an increasing proportion of our clients experience some form of mental health so this project is a top priority for us. The project costs more than £16,000 a year but the benefits to our clients and the community are considerable – on average each clients has a gain of £5,000 in backdated benefits and debts written off. Our caseworker helps with appeals and with issues such as housing and debt. In addition, we know that providing solutions to these problems can improve mental wellbeing.”

The Encore Singers will be performing a sparkling programme of songs from the shows and other popular melodies. The choir formed nearly 20 years ago and meets in Dorchester.

It has gone from strength to strength under musical director Julia McFarlane and has raised many thousands of pounds for local charities.

Mr Cadisch added: “I am delighted that this excellent choir is supporting us in our aim to do more to help people with mental health problems. Anyone from any walk of life can suffer from mental illness and we must always be here to help when people turn to us. Citizens Advice is a charity and relies on grants and donations to give free and independent advice.”