This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is “Community” .

Social connections and community are vital for mental health and wellbeing.

In Dorset we have over 8,000 people diagnosed with a serious mental illness and over 80% of these people have one or more additional long-term condition.

18% of the population of Dorset, more than 145,000 people, have a diagnosis of depression.

The rate of depression diagnosis differs depending on where people live in Dorset, with 15% in the least deprived areas and 21% in the most deprived areas.

To find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week visit Mental Health UK – Forward Together

For top tips on getting involved in your community click here