Dorset Mind is addressing the theme of loneliness during Mental Health Awareness Week (9th to 15th May). They urge people to reach out for support through an online campaign and range of events. After Covid, it’s safe to say that we have all experienced the feeling of isolation. However, for some people lockdown may have made no difference whatsoever to their situation. They were already contending with a deadly pandemic – loneliness.
Whilst not a mental health condition, loneliness can have a detrimental effect on wellbeing. By asking people to share their experience and the slogan ‘I’ve been there,’ the charity hopes to emphasise why we must make connecting with other people in our communities a priority. Loneliness affects more people than you might think – and across all ages and backgrounds.
Dorset Mind CEO, Linda O’Sullivan comments, “The remedy for loneliness is connection, but the stigma that surrounds admitting you’re lonely can prevent people from asking for help. This barrier, combined with a mental health condition, can be doubly difficult to overcome.
It’s important to remember that there are organisations including Dorset Mind that can help you regain your confidence and self-esteem with a wide range of support and activities. It takes immense courage to take that first step and reach out for help. But the positive impact of doing so can far outweigh suffering in silence.”
To start the week’s activities, Weymouth’s famous Clock Tower is lighting up in blue!
As the week unfolds, Dorset Mind will host and co-host a series of exciting events. The charity is teaming up with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, Poole Dolphin Centre and Liz Lean PR, Verwood Youth Club; and charity partners Meyers Estate Agents in Ringwood/Verwood for an Instagram Live; and b4b marketing and Whitehead-Ross Education and Consulting’s podcasts both feature Training Manager Marie-Clare Gale.
The charity is supporting a Leaders’ Wellbeing Summit with Light On and Dorset Chamber. Spearheaded by local businessman Andy Coleman and the charity’s ambassadors Ty Temel and Craig Mathie, the workshops brings together local business leaders to establish a minimum standard of workplace wellbeing in Dorset.
Highlights this week include a roundtable film and an enlightening series of blogs that give a deep insight into people’s crippling loneliness.
Dr Andrew Mayers, Dorset Mind Patron and Bournemouth University Principal Academic adds, “We know that the enforced isolation that was experienced through the Covid pandemic meant that many people experienced loneliness. For some, this loneliness had a dramatic impact on their mental health. I was reassured by how we responded to that at Dorset Mind, through support across Dorset.
Dorset Mind is addressing the theme of loneliness during Mental Health Awareness Week (9th to 15th May). They urge people to reach out for support through an online campaign and range of events. After Covid, it’s safe to say that we have all experienced the feeling of isolation. However, for some people lockdown may have made no difference whatsoever to their situation. They were already contending with a deadly pandemic – loneliness.
Whilst not a mental health condition, loneliness can have a detrimental effect on wellbeing. By asking people to share their experience and the slogan ‘I’ve been there,’ the charity hopes to emphasise why we must make connecting with other people in our communities a priority. Loneliness affects more people than you might think – and across all ages and backgrounds.
Dorset Mind CEO, Linda O’Sullivan comments, “The remedy for loneliness is connection, but the stigma that surrounds admitting you’re lonely can prevent people from asking for help. This barrier, combined with a mental health condition, can be doubly difficult to overcome.
It’s important to remember that there are organisations including Dorset Mind that can help you regain your confidence and self-esteem with a wide range of support and activities. It takes immense courage to take that first step and reach out for help. But the positive impact of doing so can far outweigh suffering in silence.”
To start the week’s activities, Weymouth’s famous Clock Tower is lighting up in blue!
As the week unfolds, Dorset Mind will host and co-host a series of exciting events. The charity is teaming up with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, Poole Dolphin Centre and Liz Lean PR, Verwood Youth Club; and charity partners Meyers Estate Agents in Ringwood/Verwood for an Instagram Live; and b4b marketing and Whitehead-Ross Education and Consulting’s podcasts both feature Training Manager Marie-Clare Gale.
The charity is supporting a Leaders’ Wellbeing Summit with Light On and Dorset Chamber. Spearheaded by local businessman Andy Coleman and the charity’s ambassadors Ty Temel and Craig Mathie, the workshops brings together local business leaders to establish a minimum standard of workplace wellbeing in Dorset.
Highlights this week include a roundtable film and an enlightening series of blogs that give a deep insight into people’s crippling loneliness.
Dr Andrew Mayers, Dorset Mind Patron and Bournemouth University Principal Academic adds, “We know that the enforced isolation that was experienced through the Covid pandemic meant that many people experienced loneliness. For some, this loneliness had a dramatic impact on their mental health. I was reassured by how we responded to that at Dorset Mind, through support across Dorset.
I’m delighted to see these events across this week, raising awareness about mental health, but especially with a focus on how loneliness can impact on many areas of our lives, but also reminding everyone that there is hope. By reaching out getting that support, we can help reduce the impact on mental wellbeing.”
Follow Dorset Mind’s social media channels to keep up to date with their activities.
Dorset Mind delivers mental health education, training, and 1-2-1 and group support. It supports adults and young people who face loneliness across Dorset: https://dorsetmind.uk/help-and-support/