I need help now
If you are feeling very distressed, despairing, or suicidal and need immediate help please either:
· Contact your GP and request an emergency appointment
· Contact the Samaritans to talk confidentially 24/7 by calling 116 123
· Call NHS 111 to speak over the phone or use their online service.
· Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text "YM" if you're under 19
If you think you need urgent mental health help, it’s important to get in touch as soon as possible remember that you are not wasting anyone’s time.
Local help in Dorset
If you live in Dorset, Access Mental Health is here to help you in a crisis.
The 24/7 Connection phone line
If you require urgent mental health support call 0800 652 0190 or NHS 111 and you will be signposted to the right service for the support you need.
Face to Face and virtual drop ins
The Retreat
The Retreat is a safe place to go if you are struggling to cope. They offer face to face drop ins.
There’s no need to phone ahead, just turn up during opening hours.
Bournemouth – 4.30pm-11.30pm, Hahnemann Road, Bournemouth BH2 5JW
Dorchester – 4.30pm-11.30pm, 30 Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester, DT1 2ER, UK
Community Front Rooms
The Community Front Rooms are open to anyone over 18 who needs face-to-face in Bridport, Wareham, Weymouth and Shaftesbury.
Click here to find your nearest location.
They are open for face to face or virtual drop Thursday-Sunday from 2.15pm-9.45pm.
To access these locations virtually, click on your nearest location.
They are staffed by mental health professionals and peer specialists (people with personal experience of mental health issues).
It is a welcoming, informal, safe spaces where you can discuss your problems
Local help in Southampton
If you need urgent help, please call the NHS on 111 and you will be directed to the correct service for your needs.
The Lighthouses are drop-in centres run by Solent Mind where you will be welcomed and be able to talk about your problems if you want to.
There are two locations in Bitterne and Shirley. Both centres are open 365 days a year, 4.30pm-11.30pm:
The Lighthouse Bitterne
432 Bitterne Road
Bitterne Village
Southampton
SO18 5RT
The Lighthouse Shirley
The Annexe, Options Wellbeing
147 Shirley Road
Southampton
SO15 3FH
If you don’t want to visit in person, you can text ‘Lighthouse’ and your postcode (for example LIGHTHOUSE SO14 0YG) to 07789 390 812 between 4.30pm and 11.00pm. The Lighthouse staff will then contact you via telephone or text.
You can also access support via an online web chat using their Attend Anywhere service.
Worried about someone else?
If you are concerned that someone else is very distressed and might be considering suicide, please encourage them to contact their GP and make an emergency appointment.
Alternatively, you might wish to encourage them to speak to the Samaritans on 116 123.
If you are worried someone is about to hurt someone else, please contact the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.