Weymouth and Portland residents could be at greater risk of depression than most of the UK population - but a new support group aims to help.

Charity Dorset Mind is running the sessions in response to higher-than-average levels of depression and loneliness.

According to the charity, the concerning statistics could be related to deprivation: Weymouth's foodbank is the busiest in the county, and eight neighbourhoods fall within the top ten per cent most health-deprived in the UK.

The findings are published in Dorset Community Foundation's 'Hidden Dorset 2' report.

Published last year, the information may not come as news to some, but it is hoped Weymouth's depression crisis can be improved by teaching people new coping skills.

Starting from November 13, the new support group will give people a safe space to share experiences and thoughts, and learn how best to deal with mental heath issues. The group will meet every second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the Lantern Trust, Ranelagh Road, from 7-9pm.

The sessions are open to people in the surrounding area who might want to improve their mental health and wellbeing. There are no waiting lists, so anyone who wants to join can simply turn up, organisers say. It is hoped that the informal setup will help reduce any anxiety people may feel around having to apply or needing a referral.

The group offers peer support and helps to reduce stigma by normalising conversations about mental health, and encourages people to talk about wellbeing challenges or triumphs in an accepting and supportive environment.

The educational workshops give an opportunity to access support and identify helpful ways of coping and improving mental health.

The group also helps to counteract loneliness and isolation, which the study shows are particularly prevalent in Weymouth.

The sessions are being run elsewhere in the county and have attracted positive feedback. One participant said: “I have the opportunity to talk through issues that are affecting my mental health. The support has helped me through a difficult year and made me realise I’m not alone.” 

For more information about Dorset Mind visit dorsetmind.uk

For more information about the Hidden Dorset report visit www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/publications/hidden-dorset-2-report/