A programme helping young people with their mental health is returning to Dorchester. 

Dorset Mind’s eight-week programme for nine to 12 year olds, Connected Minds, will provide assistance for youngsters experiencing anxiety, emotional problems and low attendance in school.

It aims to help young people develop coping skills, build resilience and address worries and will be held at Dorchester Community Church, Poundbury, on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 11.30am during term time.

A meet and greet session will be held on January 24 where young people, parents and teachers can attend before the programme begins on January 31. The deadline for referrals to the support group is Friday, January 20. 

Dorset Mind CEO, Linda O’Sullivan, said: “We’re delighted to be able to continue delivering this service.

"We know loneliness is a growing problem for young people, through this group they’ll learn that they’re not alone in their feelings and safe ways to self-manage their mental health.

"It’s vital we support young minds within the Dorset community”.

Dr Andy Mayers, patron for Dorset Mind, added: “When problems with anxiety and emotion start emerging it can be very troubling for young people as they struggle to understand these feelings.

"The return of the Connected Minds programme in Dorchester is exciting as it will help them negotiate this difficult time and help build resilience for the future”.

For more information on the service, click here.