Equality in mental health

We believe all communities in Dorset should have equal access to health and well-being services. We also believe that communities should have a service which is culturally appropriate to their needs and we will help to develop those services.

The Community Development Team covers the whole of Dorset  and aims to:

• improve access to mental health services within NHS Dorset
• raise awareness and reduce stigma around issues of mental health
• promote awareness of mental health services to all communities, especially communities that are hard to provide for by providing information, advice and guidance
• increase the links and create good-quality relationships between statutory organisations for example, the NHS, voluntary and other community organisations
• provide training opportunities and resources to NHS staff around the issues of equality and diversity within mental health services
• offer support and advice to community groups who are interested in mental health issues
• to facilitate involvement and understanding of mental health for people who are interested in mental health issues