About Us
Our story began in 1992, around the time the asylums in Dorset closed, with a small group of people gathering together to have a voice alongside statutory services. In those days, people who experienced emotional distress and problems with their mental health were not able to speak openly about their experiences, or to have a voice in their own care and treatment.
Over the last 30 years, our story has evolved along with people’s understanding and attitudes towards mental health. Our work continues to be shaped by the needs and challenges faced by people and communities across Dorset.
The Forum of today is built on the experiences and Recovery journeys of thousands of local people, whose struggles and successes are embedded within the DNA of our organisation.
Our Values guide everything that we do:
- Honesty is our foundation stone.
- Our work requires Courage, to be vulnerable and to grow.
- We know the power of Compassion.
- Respect for who we are is a human right.
- Having Integrity means living our values and staying true to our purpose.
Our People
We are a collective of people who have chosen to reframe our experiences of mental health difficulties and trauma, sharing our stories to support, inspire and educate others, bringing about change in Dorset.
Our Impact
We have made a positive difference to thousands of people’s lives through all of our projects and activities.
Our Impact
We have made a positive difference to thousands of people’s lives through all of our projects and activities.
Social Justice
We believe that people with lived experience of mental health issues have a wealth of specialist knowledge and valuable expertise and that everyone has an equal right to enjoy all of the opportunities that life can provide.
Wellbeing & Recovery Partnership
This is a formal partnership between the Dorset Mental Health Forum and Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, putting lived experience expertise hand in hand with professional and technical expertise to bring about change.
Wellbeing & Recovery Partnership
This is a formal partnership between the Dorset Mental Health Forum and Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, putting lived experience expertise hand in hand with professional and technical expertise to bring about change.