With the rising cost of living, many of us may be feeling stressed, anxious, or worried about the coming months. If you’re finding that it’s starting to affect your health and wellbeing, support is available. You may not have asked for help before, but it is important to get support if you need it.

Mental health support

Financial pressures and ongoing uncertainty can have a big impact on your mental health. If you are struggling because of money worries, you are not alone – support is available.

Talking to someone about your worries and concerns can help. These organisations offer free and confidential mental health support and a listening ear:

• Samaritans: Call 116 123
• Connection, Dorset’s 24/7 Mental Health Helpline: Call 0800 652 0190
• Shout: Text 85258

Find out about other mental health support available to you in Dorset. Don't struggle alone, reach out if you need someone to talk things through.

Health and wellbeing support

If you’re stressed or worried, it can be difficult to prioritise your own health and wellbeing. Whether you want to start moving more, lose weight, reduce drinking, or stop smoking, LiveWell Dorset can support you to make positive changes.

LiveWell Dorset offers free coaching, support and advice to help people living in Dorset lead healthier and happier lives. All residents over the age of 18 in the Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas can register with LiveWell.

For more information call 0800 840 1628 or visit the LiveWell Dorset website.

Keeping your homes warm

Healthy Homes Dorset and LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) offer Dorset residents free, impartial energy advice – keeping you and homes warm this winter.

Feeding the family nutritious food

Community food support is available across Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas, to make sure everyone has access to nutritious food.

Use this interactive map to see what help you can access in BCP Council.

For the Dorset Council area, use this interactive food map.

Warm welcomes

Warm welcomes offer warm spaces and places in your community. They may also offer places you can sit and work, affordable food projects and lunch clubs, social activities, and advice and guidance services to help you with the cost of living. Visit Warm Welcomes in Dorset to find out more.

You can also view a map of warm welcomes in the BCP Council area. 

Dorset Council

Dorset Council is working with Citizen’s Advice to offer advice and support on money, housing, access to food, energy and more. Find out what cost of living help is available in the Dorset Council area.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has lots of information about the benefits, payments and support options available to you. Local and national schemes can help you with rent, food, energy and more. See what help is available on BCP Council’s cost of living webpage.

Save Safely

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue are reminding everyone how you can save safely, without putting your family or home at risk. Find information on energy saving, cooking and staying warm safely, and more on their save safely webpage.