Don't Just Wait, Wait Well

Aim

Don’t Just Wait, Wait Well will allow Dorset Mind to continue essential services, giving support, coping tools & connection to young people.

Right now, across Dorset, young people are struggling silently. Many are waiting months for specialist mental health support.

Young people are experiencing anxiety, overwhelming emotions, school avoidance, and loss of confidence.

They are waiting for appointments, support, and to feel better. Instead, they are left in limbo – with little guidance and often feeling alone.

Every young person deserves early, accessible mental health support when they need it.

We are aiming to raise £5,000 to continue delivering vital group and 1:1 sessions to young people who are waiting for specialist mental health support.

We need your support to carry out this essential work so that young people can live mentally healthy lives. Your donation ensures they don’t have to wait alone. 

Every contribution - no matter the size - helps fund safe spaces, coping tools, and trusted adults who can change a young person’s future.

For over 60 years, Dorset Mind has championed, campaigned for and supported mental health across Dorset. Our dedicated Young People’s Service team run group and 1:1 programmes like Connected Minds and Community Active Monitoring which are part of our Waiting Well Programme.  

We meet young people where they are – in schools, Family Hubs and community spaces – offering safe places, practical coping tools and trusted adults who listen. 

Our vision is simple: Every young person in Dorset should have access to early mental health support.  

Supports young people who are waiting for CAMHS, who have low attendance at School or are struggling with their emotions 

• Provides free 1:1 sessions and group programmes that: 
  • Teach coping tools for anxiety, low confidence and big emotions 
  • Builds confidence and emotional resilience 
  • Reduce isolation and increases school engagement 
  • Offer safe, trusted spaces to talk

In the past 3 years, the Waiting Well Programme has supported 218 young people across Primary, Middle and Secondary Schools with 1:1 and group services and over 450 young people through assemblies, across Dorset. 

Behind every number is a young person who felt heard. But demand continues to rise, and without funding, we cannot continue to meet the growing need. 

When Liam first joined Connected Minds, school felt impossible.  

Anxiety impacted lessons. Friendships felt overwhelming.  

Over eight weeks, he learned breathing exercises, coping strategies, and built friendships that boosted his confidence. By the end, Liam was attending school more happily and feeling more like himself.  

His parent said:
"They seem more confident in themself and happier in school."

Liam’s story shows the difference early support can make. Donations help Dorset Mind continue services like Waiting Well, giving young people the tools, support, and safe space they need to thrive. 

Here are some other testimonials about the Waiting Well project...

“We have found that the support from Mind has been an invaluable addition to our wellbeing offer.  The Active Monitoring interventions have been well regarded by our students, who speak highly of the support.   Our Community Active Monitoring Practitioner has become embedded into our school and is an approachable and supportive colleague who has worked in the interest of our young people and their well-being.”
Wellbeing Lead – West Dorset Secondary School 

“Talking about relationships because it helped to show me what to do in different situations and talking about my feelings. I now understand that sometimes its ok if I'm happy and upset at the same time and that its fine and you don't have to pinpoint how you're feeling”
Waiting Well Young Participant

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 6th July 2026 at 11:02am