Get specialist support for mental health, a condition or disability

If you have a mental health issue, you can help from the NHS community mental health teams in Dorset. They help people to manage conditions, get better and live their lives.

There is community mental health support: 

• for adults
• for older people

You need to see your doctor first.

In a mental health emergency, call the NHS on 111. You do not need to be known to any services.

Or drop-in to see a mental health professional in a Community Front Room. Find your nearest mental health drop-in.

Memory problems may or may not mean you have dementia. You can get your memory looked at by Dorset’s Memory Assessment Service. Call on 0300 303 5342.

If they find you have dementia, they will give you a plan of care. This could include advice on what support will help, like therapy to keep your mind stimulated.

Age UK offer cognitive stimulation therapy for mild to moderate dementia. Call on 01202 530 530 or email CST@ageukbped.org.uk.

If you are an adult with dyslexia, you can get help.

Get the details of the Dorset Dyslexia Association based in Wimborne and contact them to ask about the support available. The British Dyslexia Association has a national helpline, call on 08452 519002.

If you have had a diagnosis of a serious condition, you can get support.

There is specialist support for managing with different conditions and chronic pain in Dorset. This includes support with the impact on your mental health.

Your doctor can advise you on how to get support locally.

You can also:

• get help to cope with a condition or diagnosis (Steps 2 Wellbeing) or check the number to call in your part of Dorset
• get support with managing if you have had a diagnosis of diabetes
• get support with getting better if you have recently had a stroke  
• get support if you have had a cancer diagnosis

If you have an issue with your sight or hearing, you can get help.

Find out what you need to stay safe and independent at our Millbrook Healthcare – Sight and Hearing centre. Call on 033 300 300 10 or email sightandhearing@millbrookhealthcare.co.uk.

You can also find out what equipment and devices could help you at a sight and hearing centre near you.

If you have a disability, you can get advice and support.

There is a free helpline offering you advice. Call the national charity Scope on 0808 800 3333. Diverse Abilities in Dorset offers help with getting the benefits you are entitled to. Call Diverse Abilities on 0300 330 5514.