A MENTAL health drop-in service has seen its number of visitors rising each month - and anticipates it will face even more demand as Covid restrictions are reintroduced.

Almost 1,600 people have sought mental health support from the county’s four ‘Community Front Rooms’ (CFRs) since April, with the figures are rising each month.

The Community Front Rooms (CFRs) situated in Weymouth, Bridport, Wareham and Shaftesbury are a critical part of Dorset Healthcare’s Access Mental Health Services.

Provided by Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) - working in partnership with local charities The Burrough Harmony Centre, based in Bridport, and Hope, based in Shaftesbury - the relaxed, comfortable rooms are staffed by health professionals and peer support workers to support people with their mental health needs when other local mental health services are closed.

Tony Burden, BCHA’s Business Manager for Mental Health Services, said: “The CFRs are providing often life-saving support to people in crisis.

“Between September 2019 when the service began and the start of November this year, 3,875 people contacted the CFRs. And 1591 of those contacts have come since April alone.

“Weymouth CFR only opened its doors in June but since then has supported 469 people.

“We have also seen a significant rise in the number of male visitors to the CFRs. The Bridport CFR run by The Burrough Harmony Centre, received no contacts from males in April. But in September 38 males sought its help. And Shaftesbury CFR has supported more men than women since April – 119 women and 155 men.”

He added: “With Christmas fast approaching and Covid restrictions being re-introduced, we anticipate even more demand for our services in the coming months.”

Tracey Marshall, Dorset HealthCare’s Crisis and Acute Community Services Manager, said: “It continues to be a very challenging time for people’s mental health and our Access Mental Health services are here to support you and provide the first step on the road to recovery. We offer face-to-face drop-ins, virtual support and a 24/7 phone line to ensure we provide the right support at the right time for those who need it.”

The Community Front Rooms and Recovery Houses were winners in the Daily Echo Proud to Care Awards 2021. The teams won the Mental Health Services category in the awards which are made in association with BCP Council.

The CFRs are open to people over 18 and offer drop-in support services between 3.15pm -10.45pm, Thursday-Sunday. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/48eak2bk

Information on more Access Mental Health Services can be found at: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/access-mental-health

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