Leading local charity Dorset Mind has recognised that the people of Dorset are experiencing the most difficult challenges to their mental health so far during the Covid-19 pandemic. Requests for help have risen yet again during this third lockdown period and people need help more than ever. And without a firm end in sight to the disruption to workplace, it is critical that support is on hand to help people build resilience and manage stress.
The charity has responded by unveiling its extended range of training as a direct response to worsening mental health issues in an attempt to provide people with the education, support and information that they need to thrive, not just survive.
Alexis Stevens, Training Manager at Dorset Mind says, “It comes as no surprise – lockdown number three is challenging us mentally, physically and emotionally. We’ve experienced almost a year of restrictions – the dark winter months and seemingly endless monotony of life without socially connecting with friends, family and colleagues has been extremely difficult to endure, in particular those trying to juggle jobs, childcare and caring responsibilities”.
The Office for National Statistics’ latest survey ‘Coronavirus and the social impacts on Britain (5 Feb 2021)’ reports that depression in adults has doubled since pre-pandemic levels – and anxiety is the highest it’s been since April 2020. Business uncertainty and the financial impact of redundancies have also added extra strain.
These findings prompted Dorset Mind to expand their training offer for organisations and individuals. The team added ‘Resilience,’ ‘Grief, Loss and Big Change,’ ‘Understanding Suicide’ sessions and a new one-hour talk ‘Your Mental Health Matters‘ to their range of established training solutions. The training has already received glowing feedback from Aster Group, Ceuta Group and Osprey Europe.
The charity has announced they are now approved Mental Health First Aid England Instructor Members and have added online adult Mental Health First Aid courses to their portfolio. To recognise the selfless efforts of keyworkers and teachers, the charity is offering an introductory discount of 20% for their Mental Health First Aid training courses.
Marianne Storey, Dorset Mind CEO says, “As a local Mind, we have the flexibility to react swiftly to the needs of our communities. These new additions to our training portfolio add substance to our established packages for mental health awareness. They help people to recognize early signs and triggers of mental ill health. They also provide practical strategies to prevent stress and burnout, and deal with the enormity of change, which can be completely overwhelming.
Our training courses give delegates an in-depth understanding of mental health – and the group work and lived experience of our trainers adds genuine context. We’re pleased to offer keyworkers and teachers 20% discount – we recognise they’re under huge stresses themselves – and we can train them to support their co-workers.”
Take advantage of this training and find out more by visiting our website.