Mental Health Resources for Young People in West Dorset

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From your GP practice - Social Prescribing:

Is an NHS service from Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network. It is a low level, early intervention and prevention service to support health and wellbeing by connecting young people with non-medical services in their community. Instead of (or alongside) traditional treatments like medication or therapy, young people are referred to activities, groups, or resources that help them manage mental health, build confidence, reduce isolation, and improve their quality of life.

 A Link Worker will work with the young person (11- 21yrs) on a one-to-one basis over a series of appointments (in school or in practice) to goal-set and find out what really matters to the individual. 

You can self-refer by emailing your interest to jcsocialprescribing@dorsetgp.nhs.uk or by calling 01308 428943.

These might include:

ELSA

ELSA is an intervention for promoting the emotional wellbeing of children and young people. Most schools will have their own ELSA trained staff. 

Mental Health Support Team

Mental Health Support Team (MHST) in Schools – CAMHS Dorset is low intensity NHS mental health support for mild to moderate difficulties. They are now working with a number of schools to tackle the challenges children and young people experience, by helping them to feel more resilient, arming them with techniques to look after themselves and strategies to help them cope better with life’s ups and downs. The school can refer to this service. 

School Counsellor

Some schools have a counsellor who is a qualified professional employed by schools to work with pupils who are experiencing issues that are impacting their emotional or psychological wellbeing. School counsellors provide a safe space for pupils to discuss any experiences or challenges in their life. Counselling is usually offered one-to-one, and is confidential. The school can refer to this service. 

Active Monitoring

Adult Active Monitoring

Dorset Mind Active Monitoring, is a six week self-help programme offered through the Mind mental health charity.  The young person is offered individual support from a practitioner to look at some of the things they are struggling with.  Active Monitoring sessions can take place in school. The school or Social Prescribing can refer to this service.

Prout Bridge Project Beaminster

Youth Mental Health Support — Prout Bridge Project provides Mental Health Support to children and young people. It is a referral-based service run by professionally qualified and experienced Mental Health Youth Workers.  This involves one-to-one and group work to address a range of issues to help them increase emotional resilience.  Referrals can come through affiliated schools (or self-referrals for a private arrangement).

Apps

Young People's Mental Health Apps - OurDorset - NHS assessed Apps that comply with current standards, regulation and good practice. They have APPs to support young people with a range of mental health issues including anxiety, low mood, self-harm and grief.

Young Minds

YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People - The Young minds Website has a wide range of resources and advice for young people and their families.

CAMHS Dorset

Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service - CAMHS Dorset offers information, advice and support for Children and their families on this website.  

A referral to CAMHS for treatment must be completed by a professional who knows the child eg. school staff, social worker or through the GP. 16 to 18yr olds may self-refer.