A NEW access wellbeing centre has been opened by a Bournemouth MP.

Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East has officially opened a new mental health drop-in centre in Boscombe.

The drop in hub will be a major boost for local mental health services for residents across Dorset.

The new centre will offer free, walk-in support and advice from Monday to Friday. The service will support people to enhance their overall wellbeing, helping to improve their mental health.

Access Wellbeing is a partnership between the NHS, councils, charities and community groups who are dedicated to helping people when and where they need it - with a strong focus on supporting people in their local community.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lorraine Mealings, CEO of BCHA, said: “Access Wellbeing Boscombe represents a landmark in the transformation of mental health support services across Dorset.

"BCHA is delighted to be delivering this game-changing approach, in partnership with organisations that are committed to offering an enhanced level of mental health and wellbeing support in the heart of our communities.”

Rachel Small, interim chief operating officer at Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to open the doors to Access Wellbeing Boscombe, which represents a milestone in our transformative approach to the way people in the BCP area can access immediate mental health and wellbeing support.

“We know that when people are worried or struggling with day-to-day challenges, it can impact their mental health and risk becoming overwhelming without the right support.

“Access Wellbeing Boscombe will provide earlier access to help, preventing problems from escalating, with person-centred support tailored to the needs of anyone aged 18 and over.

“This fantastic new drop-in service will empower people to support their wellbeing, overcoming barriers that can prevent people from accessing health services.

“We look forward to seeing Access Wellbeing Boscombe go from strength to strength.”

Other services and groups will be using the hub at different times, including NHS mental health services, local mental health charities, advice services and social prescribers.

The new centre is now available on Palmerston Road in Boscombe open from 9.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday.