Mental health services will be open 24/7 across Dorset over Christmas and New Year.

Dorset's Access Mental Health services will be open to provide support during Christmas New Year for people who are anxious, struggling to cope or feel they are heading towards a crisis.

Led by Dorset HealthCare, the service offers round-the-clock help and advice to those in need, both over the phone and virtually during the holiday period.

Bridport Community Front Room support services are available virtually from 3.45pm to 10.45pm from Thursday to Sunday, which is run by The Burrough Harmony Centre, and you are able to talk to mental health professionals and peer support workers.

Connection, a 24/7 telephone helpline on 0800 652 0190, can provide direct help or signpost to a range of other services.

Bridport Community Front Room is for people aged 18 and over and you don't need an appointment. Visit Dorset HealthCare to access the virtual drop-in.

People of any age can call Connection at any time. If you require urgent clinical help, staff can arrange an assessment within four hours.

Tracey Marshall, Dorset HealthCare's crisis and acute community services manager, said: "This year has been a particularly challenging time for people's mental health, with Covid-19 significantly affecting how we feel and the things we would normally do day-to-day.

"And, this time of year may be even more overwhelming than usual in the current circumstances.

"Whatever your situation, our Access Mental Health services are here to support you and will be running over the festive period so people can get the help they need, at the exact time they need it. They can talk to mental health staff and peer specialists, people with their own experience of such issues, and find the solutions which can help them."

For more information, visit Dorset HealthCare or Harmony Drop-in