A BRIDPORT-based mental health charity is appealing for donations as it takes a final step towards moving into a new home.

Harmony, now in its 10th year, has outgrown its current premises in Gundry Lane, and in late May is moving to larger, more accessible premises on the St Michael’s trading estate.

But the charity, which helps people with mental health challenges including loneliness, stress and more, needs help to take the final step in the move.

Renovation and refurbishment is underway to adapt the new venue into a bespoke mental health and wellbeing hub, where anyone in West Dorset experiencing challenges with their mental health and wellbeing can access a wide range of activities and support, or can visit the Community Front Room if they are feeling in crisis.

The charity has raised a substantial amount of the funding needed for this work, through grants and donations, however, they are looking to raise a further £6,000 to complete the initial stage of the move.

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 pandemic, Harmony has seen an increase in the number of people using its services.

The National Lottery recognised 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 through a Reaching Communities grant.

But the funds do not cover renovation and refurbishment costs, and Harmony is reaching out to the community to support it with those costs.

For more information on the project and to make a donation, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-harmony-centre-new-venue-refurbishment.

As well as a range of courses, Harmony runs The Community Front Room, a crisis mental health support service, from Thursday to Sunday from 2.15pm to 9.45pm, for anyone needing immediate one to one support from its friendly, non-judgemental, qualified staff.

All its services are drop-in and can be accessed without a referral.

For more information about Harmony email Harmonyinfo@harmonydropin.org.uk or visit www.harmonydropin.org.uk.