Harbour Psychology does not offer emergency mental health support. If your life is in danger please call 999 or visit your local A&E.
For urgent (but non-life threatening) 24 hour advice please call 111, they will put you through to your local mental health help line.
If you are in Dorset you can call the Connection helpline which is open 24/7 for urgent mental health support: 0800 652 0190.
Access Mental Health offers a range of support for Dorset residents during times of crisis, please see here for further information.
Help available via local NHS
For children and young people in East Dorset, it is possible for parents, carers and young people age 16-18 to self-refer into CAMHS via this self-referral form
For children and young people under 16, the usual route of referral into CAMHS is via referral from GP, school or another service, so you will need to make an appointment to discuss potential referral. See the Dorset CAMHS website for further information.
Adults age 18 and over: Dorset and Southampton residents can self-refer to this free NHS service which offers time-limited therapy for mild to moderate difficulties, as well as counselling: Steps 2 Wellbeing
Outside of Dorset, if you search for your local area and ‘IAPT’ you will find your local free talking therapy service, usually it is possible to self-refer online or via telephone.
For adults with more complex difficulties, your GP may refer you to your local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). It is not possible to self-refer to a CMHT.
Read more about NHS mental health services here.
Useful helplines, websites and other resources for adults
Within Dorset, the Dorset Mental Health Forum offer a range of resources, links to local services, advocacy, and more. If you’re a Dorset resident, please check them out.
The Dorset Recovery Education Centre offers free courses on a wide range of topics related to mental health and wellbeing, and all courses are free and open to Dorset residents over the age of 18, including carers and supporters of people with mental health difficulties.
The Samaritans offer 24/7 phone and email support to anyone in distress. Call 116 123 (freephone).
PTSDUK offer information, advice and resources for people affected by trauma.
Mind is a national mental health charity with a wealth of information online and also a range of local services.
Mental Health Foundation has a wide range of resources and information available, see their resources page.
Support for children and teens
Kooth offers free online, anonymous counselling for young people.
Childline runs a free 24/7 helpline for children and teenagers. Childline also offer an online chat / counselling support service. Call freephone 0800 1111.
Young Minds is a great online resource for most things relating to teenage mental health. Young Minds offer a parents’ helpline. Call 0808 802 5544.
The Mix offers advice and support for under 25s. Call 0808 808 4994 11am-11pm every day.
Head Meds has lots of useful information about psychiatric medication prescribed to young people, as well as some information about commonly diagnosed mental health problems.
Parenting support and advice
For parents in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area, you can contact the First Response Hub for advice and support if you are struggling with parenting, have issues with your child’s schooling, or are experiencing financial difficulties.
Family Lives offers parenting advice and support, including a parenting support helpline.
The NSPCC has some helpful advice to support parents on their website, as well as a helpline.
Dorset council website with local resources for parents.
Domestic violence and abuse
National Domestic Violence Helpline offers advice and support. Call 0808 2000 247 (freephone).