Everyone experiences grief differently; peer support and shared experiences are very helpful.   The Bridport Bereavement Support Group fosters wellbeing, reduces isolation and increases knowledge and understanding. 

• When: The 1st Thursday of every month, 11.30 am to 1pm (doors open from 11.15 am)
• Where: The Harmony Centre, Units 1 & 2, The Tower Building, St Michael's Estate,  Bridport, DT6 3RR
• Telephone: 01308 428943

Although primarily peer-based, the group is facilitated and led by a member of our Social Prescribing team. No need to book; the group runs on a drop in basis.

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Good Grief is a peer support meeting and a non-judgmental space for any adult who has been bereaved. Run by the charity, The New Normal, Good Grief meetings are a place for bereaved adults to be themselves and talk freely.

• When: The fourth Saturday of every month.
• Time: 10:30 am to 12:00 midday.
• Where: The Cafe Space, The Hub, Church Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3BS.

Online sessions via Zoom are held every week on Mondays at 6 pm and Thursdays at 8 pm.

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Weldmar Hospicecare runs a monthly Bereavement Café providing a local support network for anyone experiencing grief. It is a relaxed drop-in space to drink coffee and chat with others who truly understand the journey of loss.

• Cost: Free to attend (a small tea or coffee is available for £2).
• Booking: No need to book—anyone experiencing bereavement is welcome to drop in. You can use this service regardless of whether your loved one was cared for by Weldmar.
• When: The first Wednesday of every month.
• Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
• Where: Waffle Lyme Regis (The Community Waffle House), 37 Broad Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QF.

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Experiencing a bereavement is difficult at any time, and you may find you need extra support. Dorset Open Door is a dedicated bereavement service hosted and managed in partnership with Dorset HealthCare.

It supports people who have been bereaved or affected by a death where the cause may be suicide, or be particularly traumatic or sudden.

Contacting Dorset Open Door

• Telephone: 01305 361361
• Email: dhc.dorsetopendoor@nhs.net
• Complete their contact form

In times of bereavement, you can access support and other information collated by the Jurassic Coast PCN Social Prescribing team.

View Bereavement support information.

Wessex Cancer Support offers free online services for individuals and families dealing with cancer. While their physical, face-to-face support centre is located in Bournemouth, they will look to develop a West Dorset site if there is enough local demand.

In the meantime, you can access emotional support, peer groups, and resources online from the comfort of your home.

• Access services: View the Wessex Cancer Support Online Resources

A carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a relative, friend, or neighbour who could not manage without their help. 

Caring for someone else is rewarding, but it can also be physically and mentally tiring. To look after someone else, you must first look after yourself.

Visit our dedicated Carer Support web page for more information.

This is an independent service funded by Dorset Council. It is delivered by the charity Help & Care, in partnership with MYTIME Young Carers. They provide a dedicated team of advisors to help you find the support you need.

The Dorset Carer Service also hosts a monthly peer support group. It offers a welcoming, relaxed space to connect, share experiences, and access support within your local community.

• Cost: Free to attend.
• Booking: No need to book—you can just turn up.
• When: The second Thursday of every month.
• Time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
• Where: Waffle Lyme Regis (The Community Waffle House).

How to get support

You can contact the team directly for advice, information, or a listening ear.

• Phone: 0303 303 0153
• Email: carers@helpandcare.org.uk
• Website: Visit the Help & Care website for more information

If you are a young carer, or you know someone under 18 who looks after a relative, specialist support is available through MYTIME Young Carers Service.

Learn more..

The Jurassic Coast PCN Social Prescribers have collated a selection of services, tools and organisations that others have found helpful.  

If you require further support in accessing these, or other services, please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943 or contact them via their online form.

This group provides an informal, comfortable, and pressure-free environment for those living with Parkinson's in the Lyme Regis area to relax, chat, and share wisdom.

For more information:

• Email lymepdhelp@gmail.com
• Online community:  Request to join the Lyme Regis District Parkinsons Support Group on Facebook.

The Jurassic Coast PCN Social Prescribers have collated a selection of services, tools and organisations that others have found helpful.  

If you require further support in accessing these, or other services, please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943 or contact them via their online form.

Social Prescribers from the Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network (PCN) work alongside us to provide extra time, a listening ear, and practical support to help you live a healthier, happier life. Whether you want to manage a long-term condition more effectively or find support for life’s practical challenges, we are here to help you find the right path forward. 

The Social Prescribing team have collated a library of trusted local and national services that may help with health, wellbeing, social connection, and daily living.

View the Resource Library here.

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone.   

Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help:  

• NHS website advice: Getting help for domestic violence and abuse

Dorset info:

• PARAGON - Domestic abuse - sexual abuse - stalking - counselling
• Dorset Council - Domestic Abuse advice
  

Devon info:

• FearFree - working to break the cycle of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
• Devon County Council - Domestic violence and advice support

Are you experiencing a mental health problem, or feeling low or anxious?

Mental Health support resources.