Wellbeing

Community-Led Support for Health & Wellbeing

Empowering People. Strengthening Communities. Shaping Services.

Holistic Support for Physical, Emotional & Community Wellbeing

At Dorset Community Action, we believe in meeting people where they are, offering real-world solutions to health and wellbeing that are accessible, inclusive, and grounded in lived experience.

Our services span three core areas, all sharing a commitment to:

Supporting those who fall between traditional services and everyday life
Building resilience, confidence, and connection through community-based approaches
Partnering with NHS, VCSEs, and public bodies to create long-term change

We support people and communities across Dorset, with a special focus on:

Adults experiencing anxiety, isolation, or low mood
Older people and those with long-term conditions
VCSE and statutory partners aiming to reduce health inequalities
Local families, young people, and marginalised groups

Whether you’re a resident needing support, a service provider looking for research insight, or an organisation seeking space to run your programmes, we’re here to help.

Why People Choose Dorset Community Action

We’re not just service providers – We’re facilitators of community-powered wellbeing.

Non-clinical and empowering: Our mental health and wellbeing courses offer safe, creative, nature-based group experiences.
Community-rooted and inclusive: The Wimborne Hub is a welcoming space for food, social connection, youth services, and peer-led activities.
Insight-driven and ethical: Our research gives voice to underserved groups and informs better service delivery for all.

We prioritise dignity, access and sustainability in everything we do.

How Our Services Work

Wellbeing Programmes
Our 12-week group courses use creativity, nature, and community to improve mental wellbeing:

Roots & Resilience – Confidence and self-care
Nourish & Grow – Food, gardening and social connection
Creative Calm – Art and mindfulness for anxiety
Move & Motivate – Gentle movement and motivation

Each course blends the Five Ways to Wellbeing with Nature Connection, helping people build habits that last.

Wimborne Health & Wellbeing Hub
A vibrant community centre offering:

Drop-in support for mental health, addiction, and SEND youth
Social cooking sessions, peer-led fitness, and food aid
Affordable space hire for groups and organisations

Footfall of up to 1,000 people a week shows the Hub is a trusted local anchor.

Community Research Services
We deliver inclusive, participatory research for:

VCSEs, NHS, and local authorities
Funders and partnerships tackling health inequalities

Our methods include focus groups, surveys, and interviews—co-designed with communities to ensure relevance and impact.

Lasting Tools for Life

Participant’s skills continue long after the course ends.

Low-Barrier Access

No diagnosis or appointment needed to get started.

Tailored Support

Services meet people’s real lives - Not the other way around.

Do I need a referral to join your courses or visit the hub?

No. Many services are drop-in, and our wellbeing courses are open to anyone 18+.

What if I have limited mobility or social anxiety?

Our sessions are designed for all energy levels, with small, friendly groups.

Is it free?

Most services are free or funded; ask us about current course availability.

Can my organisation hire space or commission research?

Absolutely—email us and we’ll help you get started.

Common Concerns:

“I’ve tried therapy and it didn’t help.”
Our courses are active, creative, and community-based—not traditional talking therapy.

“I don’t like group settings.”
We keep our groups small and gentle, and you’ll never be forced to participate.

“I’m not sure this is for me.”
Come for a taster or just visit the Hub. You’ll be surprised how welcome you feel.

Real People. Real Impact.

“I’ve tried so many things, but this is the first time I felt like I belonged.”

Mark

Participant

“No pressure, no judgment—just warmth and good food.”

Hub Visitor

Our Partners Include:
Dorset ICS
Steps to Wellbeing
Public Health Dorset
Dorset NHS Trusts
Local Family Hubs
Multiple VCSE Partners

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether you’re looking for support, want to hire space, or commission community research, we’d love to hear from you.

Mental Health & Wellbeing Courses:

📧 Lydia Harvey – lydia.harvey@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk

📞 07421 994591

Wimborne Health & Wellbeing Hub:

📧 Jayne Wise – jayne.wise@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk

📞 01202 847600

Community Research Services:

📧 Caro Hart – caro.hart@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk

📞 07827 996905

Stay Connected:

Join our mailing list for course updates, community news, and volunteering opportunities.
Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier Dorset – Step by Step.

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If you need something extra, please use this quick ‘Make an Enquiry’ form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.