Looking after your mental health and wellbeing over the last year has been challenging for many.

It has been shown that loneliness can be the start of mental health challenges, with isolation and anxiety leading to mood changes, poor sleep and loss of energy, some of the warning signs that mental health is being impacted.

Bridport has always been a great community, and this has been highlighted during this pandemic.

The town council established a support and wellbeing line with the Bridport Coronavirus Support group and The Burrough Harmony Centre during the first lockdown to address local needs and concerns. Many local groups have found ways to offer activities via social media and people have been highly creative in staying connected with friends and neighbours. It's good to talk!

However, there are some people who have really struggled with their mental health and Harmony Drop-In has remained open providing support throughout the last year, initially offering telephone support, and since the beginning of the year with video, group and face to face support. You don't need to suffer alone. Harmony Drop-In provides a safe place and confidential non-judgemental support to anyone with mental health needs through their range of services

Harmony Drop-In, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am to 1pm every week, offers a friendly drop-in group with activities, support and wellbeing sessions at the Assembly Rooms or via zoom

The Community Front Room, open every weekend - Thursday to Sunday, 3.15pm to 10.45pm - is part of Dorset Health Care Access Mental Health crisis support offering one to one support from trained mental health specialists and peer support staff for anyone struggling with their mental health. The service is available face to face or via video or telephone. Please telephone 07385 290804 during the above times to book an appointment. No referral is needed.

A new group to support carers of people experiencing a mental health issue will be starting on March 16 between 7pm and 8.30pm at The Assembly Rooms, Gundry Lane, or via zoom. It has been recognised the impact and pressure on those caring for loved ones with poor mental health can have on carers own wellbeing.

This group is aimed at people over the age of 18 years who support family and friends of any age with a mental health condition. It will offer a range of opportunities that fosters wellbeing and increase understanding about the issues carers face and the support available including guidance on protecting your mental health as a carer as well as peer support.

The group will provide a safe, confidential environment in which to share experiences with others and one where they may receive both practical and emotional support. No referral is necessary. Anyone interested in finding out more about this group should contact Caroline Gamble on [email protected].

For more information and contact details look at the Harmony website or visit the Facebook page 'Harmony Mental Health Bridport Dorset'.