Dorset Mind, a prominent mental health charity, has received a generous £500 donation from bus operator Damory to further its “Waiting Well” project, which aims to assist young people aged 11 to 16 who are facing long delays in receiving care from the NHS’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
The donation is set to expand the project’s reach across Dorset, particularly to underserved rural areas, ensuring that more young people can access vital mental health support during the often-lengthy wait for NHS treatment. Tracey Digby, the project manager for “Waiting Well” at Dorset Mind, explained that the initiative is crucial in preventing the deterioration of young people’s mental health due to these delays.
“As a mental health charity, Dorset Mind has been supporting people across the region for more than 75 years. Our focus on early intervention and crisis prevention helps mitigate the negative effects of long waiting times for CAMHS,” said Digby. “The ‘Waiting Well’ project provides structured support to young people, helping them stay connected, engaged, and supported as they await more formal treatment.”
Addressing the Impact of Long NHS Waiting Times
The “Waiting Well” project is designed to provide timely, preventative mental health care to young people at a critical juncture in their lives. With the NHS experiencing significant backlogs, many young people are left on lengthy waiting lists for CAMHS, which often exacerbates feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. The initiative aims to bridge this gap by offering structured support that can help mitigate the negative effects of these delays.
Digby highlighted the risks that these young people face without this support. “These delays leave young people vulnerable to deteriorating mental health, social isolation, and disengagement from school and their communities,” she said.
Expanding Access to Rural Areas
The donation from Damory will allow Dorset Mind to expand its services, particularly in rural parts of the county where mental health services are often harder to access. In these areas, young people are often more isolated, and the barriers to receiving timely mental health care can feel even greater.
Paul Knight, Damory’s operations manager, emphasized the significance of supporting mental health initiatives, particularly in rural communities. “Damory provides school bus services across the region, and our drivers build strong, supportive relationships with the students. We understand the importance of these connections, especially in more isolated areas. We’re proud to support Dorset Mind in improving mental health outcomes for young people and helping to alleviate some of the pressure on overstretched NHS services,” Knight said.
A Positive Impact on the Community
The “Waiting Well” project is just one of many initiatives that Dorset Mind operates to ensure mental health services are accessible and supportive. With the extra funding, the charity can provide more comprehensive and far-reaching services, reducing the chances of young people reaching a mental health crisis point while they await formal treatment.
Dorset Mind’s commitment to early intervention and long-term support is critical in helping young people navigate mental health challenges, especially during times of increased demand on the NHS. By addressing the immediate needs of those waiting for care, the charity is playing a crucial role in both preventing crises and enhancing the mental well-being of young people across Dorset.
