Stay safe and connected at Christmas in Dorset

We know that the festive season can be really hard for people. We are providing extended cover in our hubs to ensure that people can still get help if they need it (please see opening times below). We’ll also be manning our website/Facebook chat and responding to messages and there are lots of mutual aid groups meeting over the Christmas and New Year period where you can reach out for help and support from people who know just what it’s like for you.

We’ve also been in touch with our partners to find out what they are doing to support service users. We hope this is a useful reference point for people who might need some additional support, a hot meal, some mutual aid, a place to connect with people or a bed for the night. We’re updating this page as we receive more information.

REACH Christmas Opening Times

Free Naloxone, DBST & Other Supplies by Post

Access services, advice and medicines from your community pharmacies

Tailored Programme of Digital Support

To use Breaking Free Online for free, please contact 0800 043 4656 and get your code

The Lantern Trust

provides invaluable support to the homeless, working very closely with the Bus Shelter, Shelter, Julian House and our very own Reach Out team. Services they offer are:

–        GP

–        Dentist

–        Podiatry

–        Citizens Advice

–        Homeless Nurse

–        You first

–        Housing Advice

–        Clothing

–        Food bank vouchers

Start Groups

From Tuesday 4^th January all groups return to normal

Monday 20^th December

• Fight Back Mental Health – Boxing (Weymouth) with Matt

Tuesday 21^st December

• ‘Earn the Turkey’ Circuits at Anytime Fitness (Dorchester) with Ross and Matt
• Bridport Talking Café – 2-3pm at Coffee #1
• ‘Busy Elves’ Art Group (Bridport) 3-4pm at Coffee #1 with Tanya

Friday 24^th December

• Dorchester Talking Café – Meet at 11am at Shire Hall Café

Wednesday 29^th December

• ‘Turkey Trot’ Walk with Conor, Meet 12pm at the Bandstand in the Borough Gardens, Dorchester
• Bridport Talking Café with Pam, 2-3pm, at Coffee #1

Thursday 30^th December

• Virtual Coffee/Quiz Group with Hannah, 11am on Microsoft Teams – please contact Hannah on hannah.saunders1@nhs.net to request a link to the group and for more information.
• ‘Frosty Feet’ Walk with Conor, Meet 12pm at the Bandstand in the Borough Gardens, Dorchester
• ‘Mindfulness Magic’ Walk with Pam and Tanya – Meet 2pm at Allington Woods, Bridport

Friday 31^st December

• Dorchester Talking Café – Meet at 11am at Shire Hall Café

To find out more about any of these groups contact:

START Staff Contact Numbers

Tanya 07768 375345 

Hannah 07769 931698  

Conor 07826 877538

Matt 07824 104646

Pam 07717 736234  

Sarah 07717422049