Dorchester is coming together to help improve mental health services across West Dorset.

As reported in the Echo, Dorset Mind has partnered with David Upshall Insurance Services in a campaign to bring much-needed services to the area.

A number of events have already been held in the town, including an auction that raised more than £4,000 - and another one is being held this weekend.

A St Patrick’s Day breakfast will be held this Saturday in Poundbury to raise more funds for the charity.

Explaining why he got involved with Dorset Mind, David Upshall, senior partner of David Upshall Insurance Services said. “I’ve been in business for a long time and I’ve support a number of different charities. I chose Dorset Mind because its services were desperately needed and I have seen first-hand the differences they can make to a person’s life.

“Together with Anita and others we are trying to host as many fundraisers for Dorset Mind as possible. Mental health is something that more people are becoming aware of and talking about, but there is still a very long way to go.”

Town crier Alistair Chisholm said: “When you are on top of the world you feel fantastic, but when you’re not you can get into a very dark place and you need the help and support that Dorset Mind provides. It is such a vital service. I am very happy to support Anita and David with this in any way I can.”

Dr Andrew Mayers, principal academic at Bournemouth University and patron for Dorset Mind, added: “I am very grateful to the crier to Anita Harries and to David Upshall for all their continued support for Dorset Mind.

“Support like theirs is helping us at Dorset Mind to arrange and deliver mental health services to West Dorset.

“Traditionally the more rural parts of Dorset have not had the same level of support as the central areas, and more and more services are being cut in these rural areas.

“It’s events like this one in Poundbury that help raise awareness and funds to allow us to help those in need in Dorchester and West Dorset and we are extremely grateful.”

The St Patrick’s Day breakfast will be held on Saturday, March 17 from 8am until 9.30am.

It will be held at Cafe on the Green in Poundbury.

Tickets cost £10 each and can be bought by calling Anita Harries on 07909637066 or by popping into Cafe on the Green.

All proceeds will be going to Dorset Mind.