A new mental health resilience initiative has launched for women across Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole, with the help of funding from Dorset Community Foundation.

Waterlily Project, a Christian charity based in Christchurch, is looking to support those fleeing domestic abuse or acrimonious divorces, or struggling with financial debt, mental health issues or bereavement.

CEO Andy Gilbert Credit: Waterlily Project

CEO Andy Gilbert said: “A staggering 87 per cent of the women who seek our support report some form of mental health problem such as anxiety or depression.

“Many domestic abuse victims who come to us are suffering from PTSD because of abusive relationships.

“With this vital funding we’ll be able to help 10 beneficiaries at a time gain the tools to hopefully overcome these issues throughout a six-week series of tailor-made sessions.”

The new Mental Health Resilience Training Programme is designed to be easily accessible in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

It will help women to cope with anxiety and depression, manage their sleep, and reframe unhelpful thoughts through therapies – while cultivating self-care, self-esteem, and healthy relationships.

This should enable them to bounce back from life’s challenges and create an action plan to help achieve life goals.

Sessions will be run by Deputy Manager Bev McKay. Bev is a qualified Mental Health and Wellbeing trainer consultant and coach with an accomplished background in the field.

Bev is a qualified Mental Health and Wellbeing trainer consultant and coach with an accomplished background in the field. Credit: Waterlily Project

Bev said: “Cutbacks to mental health services for many years have heightened the situation and we’re now really beginning to see the effects of this. We’re finding so many more local women seeking help for mental health issues.

“Our charity works with beneficiaries for up a year and has always been about helping to equip women with the tools to empower them to change their own lives for the better forever rather than quick-fix support.”

Andy added: “As a small charity we receive no government funding so we’re truly grateful to Dorset Community Fund for this money to make this happen.

“Our waiting list for our services to support women across Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole continues to grow with an 80 per cent increase year-on-year of women seeking our help. Donations, funding and grants are more crucial than ever to allow us to continue our work.”

The workshops offered by the programme will award a nationally recognised qualification from the Open College Network.