A SHOPPING centre has strengthened its partnership with Dorset Mind ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week.

The Dolphin Poole will build on its three-year partnership with the charity by hosting free workshops to support locals with key mental health insights, between May 13 and 19.

Dorset Mind will offer a range of free informative sessions throughout the week, focusing on different aspects of mental health that people face.

Topics will include anxiety and panic attacks, neurodiversity, menopause and depression at the events at Gather, which will take place daily from 10.30am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Practitioners will also be on hand from 12.30pm to 3.30pm Monday to Friday, providing relevant resources and direction to support services.

Sessions are free to attend but spaces must be booked through the Dorset Mind website.

John Grinnell, centre manager at The Dolphin Poole, said: "We are delighted to be able to support Dorset Mind once again, offering essential resources to our local area, and facilitating these important activities during this week.

“These sessions are always well received and I am proud that The Dolphin Poole continues to deliver essential support through partnerships and events throughout the year, in Gather and the wider centre.

“Providing relevant information and educational resources in Gather reflects the continued evolution of The Dolphin Poole into an essential community hub for residents and visitors alike.”

Linda O’Sullivan, Dorset Mind CEO, added: “Our continued partnership with The Dolphin Poole for our Mental Health Awareness Week sessions means we can make our mental health expertise easily accessible for residents.

“With The Dolphin Poole’s continued support, and the availability of the Gather space our practitioners can offer signposting and vital guidance to visitors in the centre during Mental Health Awareness Week, when wellbeing is focused on each year as the largest date in the mental health calendar.

“It allows us to be at the heart of the community, talking directly to people who can benefit from these sessions.”

For more information on the workshops and to book a space, visit the Dorset Mind website.