A GROUP now in its tenth year has launched an appeal as it expands its operations in west Dorset with the aim of creating a new health hub.

Mental health charity Harmony, based in Bridport, has outgrown its current premises on Gundry Lane and in late May it is moving to new, more accessible and larger premises at St Michael’s trading estate – but needs the public’s help to make the move.

Renovation and refurbishment is being undertaken to adapt a new venue into a bespoke mental health and wellbeing hub for anyone in West Dorset who is experiencing challenges with their health and wellbeing to access a range of support.

There will also be a Community Front Room for those who are feeling in crisis.

The charity has already raised a substantial amount of the funding through grants and donations, however, they are looking to raise a further £6,000 to complete the initial stage of the move and are asking for community support with a crowdfunding appeal.

Ali Cliffe, Harmony trustee, said: “So much thought and effort has gone into find the right venue, and to ensure it will provide the right facilities to offer an accessible, friendly, safe and confidential space for everyone who uses our services.

"Launching this crowdfunder is our appeal to the local community to support Harmony to provide this hub. No one knows when they might need support, but Harmony will always be here for them.”

Since the Covid pandemic, the charity has seen a great increase in the number of people using its services.

The National Lottery recognised that Harmony needed to grow to meet this increased demand and have funded it to grow the team and to pay the rent on larger more appropriate premises with a Reaching Communities grant, but they are unable to fund any renovation and refurbishment costs. They ask that Harmony reach out to the local community to support it with those costs. 

Harmony provides support to hundreds of local people every year. It runs a wide range of groups during the day designed to help combat loneliness, reduce stress, anxiety and depression and improve confidence.

It also runs The Community Front Room, a crisis mental health support service every Thursday to Sunday between 2.15pm to 9.45pm, for anyone needing immediate one to one support.

To view the charity’s crowdfunding appeal visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-harmony-centre-new-venue-refurbishment

For more information about Harmony contact Harmonyinfo@harmonydropin.org.uk