During Mental Health Awareness Week (9-15 May), people visiting the Dolphin Centre can find out about the range of mental health guidance and support available to the Poole community.

The centre in Poole is partnering with Dorset Mind to provide a confidential and safe space where visitors can signposting on mental health issues from Dorset Mind Active Monitoring practitioners. The Mental Health Awareness Week Support Booth will be located outside Beales, and open from 12-2pm on 11 May and 10am-3pm on 14 May.

Centre Manager at the Dolphin Centre, John Grinnell, said: “Together with Dorset Mind, we are reaching out to our local community to offer free mental health support to our visitors. As loneliness is the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, we hope we can work towards bridging this gap to make our visitors feel less alone with the resources available in our support booth.”

Dorset Mind CEO, Linda O’Sullivan, said: “Connection to our friends, family and colleagues is essential to protect our mental health. Support available to our local community from the third sector and charities such as Dorset Mind can also play an important role. The last few years have been extremely difficult and isolating, but you really don’t have to feel alone. There is help available from people and organisations that want to help.

“Our volunteers will be on hand to book visitors in with our Active Monitoring practitioners for the support booth sessions. Do come and talk to us for guidance on how we can help you maintain your mental health with our wide range of support services for young people and adults across Dorset.”

As well as the booth, there will be a Music and Mindfulness workshop 10am-3pm on Saturday 14 May at the Eco Hub on the first floor of the Dolphin Centre. This will be run by Dorset Mind ambassador, Calvin Glen.

For the latest information, visit www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk or follow the activity on Instagram at @dorsetmind and @thedolphinpoole.