A WELL-USED mental health centre in Dorchester will be closing its doors until at least the end of the year due to a lack of staff – leading to concerns about the impact it will have on people living in crisis.
The flagship Dorchester Retreat, based on Maiden Castle Road, is a centre that aims to offer a ‘safe place’ for people to visit and discuss their mental health issues and access support services.
It is used by people in extreme vulnerable states.
The centre will close from tomorrow due to staffing issues. Bosses hope to reopen it in 2022.
Dorchester Retreat has struggled with staffing issues in recent months, which has caused disruption to services and meant it ‘has not been consistently operating at full capacity’ with opening hours having to vary.
John Simpson, Chairman of Hughes Unit Group Supporters, said: “I am extremely disappointed. The Dorchester Retreat is one of the flagship mental health clinics in Dorset.
“It has been open since 2019 and it offers a very unique service.
“We are a good supporter of the site, many people use it and it is disappointing that it is temporarily closing.”
The closure comes amid the worsening mental health picture nationally amid the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns.
Tracey Marshall, crisis and acute community services manager at Dorset HealthCare, said that while the temporary closure is ‘disappointing for people who access this service’, she noted that people will be signposted to where they can access alternative support.
Mrs Marshall said she was unable to comment on individual cases, but said that support for mental health issues is available through the Retreat centres, Community Front Rooms and 24/7 Dorset Connections helpline.
She said: “The Retreat in Dorchester is temporarily closing for face-to-face drop-ins from October 1 until the new year due to some immediate staffing issues.
“We know that this will be disappointing for people who access this service and we are making sure that they know where to access alternative support.
“Services offered at The Retreat in Bournemouth remain unchanged and for individuals unable to access our Bournemouth Retreat, virtual support is available as usual or they can drop-in at the Community Front Rooms in Bridport, Wareham, Weymouth and Shaftesbury for face-to-face support Thursday – Sunday from 3.15 -10.45pm.
“In addition, our 24/7 Connection phone line is open for anyone requiring urgent mental health support by calling 0800 652 0190 or NHS 111 and they will be signposted to the right service for the support needed.
“Staff currently working at The Retreat in Dorchester are being re-located to The Retreat in Bournemouth or one of our Community Front Rooms. None of our staff members have lost their job.
“For more information on the virtual support available via The Retreats, Community Front Rooms face-to-face drop-ins or Connection, visit https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/access-mental-health.”
