St. Marys Road, Ferndown, BH22 9HB
Telephone: 01202 897000
Please call NHS 111 or visit our Opening Hours web page for more options on what do when we are closed.
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Mental health and wellbeing
We are here to help with your mental health as well as your physical health
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and behave. If you are experiencing a mental health problem, we want to help you find the support that best suits your needs.
🚨 Urgent Help: If You Are in a Crisis
If you need urgent mental health advice or are worried about your safety, free help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- By Phone (NHS Connection Helpline): Call 0800 652 0190. You will speak directly to a local NHS mental health professional who can assess your needs and connect you to further support. Calls are completely free.
- By Phone (Samaritans): Call 116 123 to talk to someone at any time, day or night.
- By Text Message (Shout): Text the word “SHOUT” to 85258. You will be connected to a trained volunteer for a free, anonymous text conversation. This service is free from all major UK mobile networks.
- Online: Visit the NHS Dorset HealthCare Access Mental Health Services Web Page for local crisis resources..
Speaking to a Doctor or Nurse About Your Mental Health
If negative thoughts and feelings are impacting your day-to-day life, contacting the practice is an excellent first step.
We understand that opening up about your deepest feelings to a GP or Practice Nurse isn’t always easy—especially if it is with someone you do not know well. To help you prepare, the mental health charity Mind has created a short animated film and guide packed with tips on how to find the words to talk to your doctor.
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Watch the video: View the Mind Video Guide on Talking to Your GP About Mental Health.
Support from Access Wellbeing
Access Wellbeing helps you get the right support when and where you need it.
The service is a partnership between the NHS, local councils, charities, and community groups. It is free and open to anyone aged 18 and over.
They can support you with early help for:
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Money, debt, and benefits
- Work and employment
- Housing support and advice
Where to find them
You can visit a main wellbeing hub or a local community drop-in session. You do not need an appointment.
Main Wellbeing Hubs
Ferndown Community Drop-in
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Where: Ferndown Centre
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When: Mondays, 9 am to 1 pm
Download the Access Wellbeing Ferndown drop-in leaflet (PDF).
Steps2Wellbeing (Talking Therapies)
If you are feeling low, anxious, or are struggling to cope with a long-term physical health condition, Steps2Wellbeing can help. This is a free, confidential NHS service for anyone aged 18 or over registered with a Dorset GP.
How to sign up: You do not need a doctor’s referral to use this service. You can sign up quickly and privately on your own:
- Online Registration: Complete the online form on the Steps2Wellbeing Website.
- Telephone Registration: Call the team on0800 484 0500.
- Download Service Details: Read the Steps2Wellbeing Service Leaflet.
Specialist Programs Available:
- Body and Mind Service: Specifically designed to help improve your emotional wellbeing if you live with a long-term health condition such as diabetes, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), chronic pain, lung conditions, heart conditions, or stroke recovery.
- Employment Support: Specialist employment advisers can assist you with managing stress at work, returning to a job after a period of absence, or navigating a search for new employment.
Social Prescribing
Social Prescribers from the Wimborne and Ferndown Primary Care Network (PCN) work directly alongside our medical team. They provide extra time, an open ear, and practical support to help you live a healthier, happier life by connecting you to community groups and statutory services.
A Social Prescriber can support you if:
- You are aged 13 or over.
- You need connections to lifestyle or mental health support, such as healthy eating programs or smoking cessation services.
- You are feeling isolated or lonely and want to become more active in your local community.
- You are feeling overwhelmed or stressed by practical worries like work, housing, or money.
Contact us to discuss a referral.
Additional Resources
General NHS Guidance: For comprehensive mental health resources and self-help tools, visit the Main NHS Mental Health and Wellbeing Website.
Are you a carer? If you look after someone living with dementia or a mental health condition, please visit our dedicated Carers Support page for local carer resources.
