Dorset Mind’s 8-week programme of support for 9-12yr olds, Connected Minds returns to Dorchester, providing support to young people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and emotional problems and low attendance in school.
This programme of support is delivered by Dorset Mind’s Children & Young People Service, Dorset Mind Your Head (DMYH).
About the service
Connected Minds helps young people:
· Develop coping skills
· Build resilience
· Become more aware of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
· Understand and address worries and anxieties that affect school attendance
· Understand the importance of the mind-body relationship
· Improve school attendance and work towards positive engagement with school
Dorset Mind CEO, Linda O’Sullivan said, “We’re delighted to be able to continue delivering this service. We know loneliness is a growing problem for young people, through this group they’ll learn that they’re not alone in their feelings and safe ways to self-manage their mental health. It’s vital we support young minds within the Dorset community”.
Dr Andy Mayers, Patron for Dorset Mind and Principal Academic at Bournemouth University said, “When problems with anxiety and emotion start emerging it can be very troubling for young people as they struggle to understand these feelings. The return of the Connected Minds programme in Dorchester is exciting as it will help them negotiate this difficult time and help build resilience for the future”.
When & Where
Connected Minds sessions are held at Dorchester Community Church, Poundbury, DT1 3DF on Tuesdays, 9.30am-11:30am (during term time).
Parents and teachers are welcome to stay for teas and coffees in the church café during sessions. Young people have a refreshment break to visit the café during each session.
Connected Minds will have a Meet & Greet session on the 24th of January 2023 where young people, parents and teachers are invited to attend and meet the Connected Minds team. The programme will begin on 31st January 2023.
How to access the service?
Dorset Mind are pleased to announce that referrals are now open on their website. Provided that parental consent is given referrals are excepted from:
· CAMHS
· Schools
· Parents/carers/guardians
· GP
· Any other professionals (social worker, support worker, teacher, counsellor, etc.)
To refer please download the Connected Minds referral form on our website https://dorsetmindyourhead.co.uk/connected-minds/ and email to dmyh@dorsetmind.uk. For any queries, please contact us via email.
Deadline for referrals: Friday 20th January