A COUNSELLOR from Poole who took her services online during lockdown says she is on a mission to help Dorset residents enjoy better mental health.

Laura Knight, 55, set up her counselling practice SeeClear Counselling in 2017 on a part time basis, but in January 2020, she left her corporate job to manage her business on a full time basis.

Her business was very successful, until the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK earlier this year.

When lockdown was introduced, Laura's clients were unable to attend sessions at her therapy room, based in Parkstone Poole.

Although she quickly introduced online video and telephone sessions, many clients were unable to take advantage of these because of the inability to find a private space in their home, with family members at home during the lockdown.

Laura said: "At the beginning of lockdown, the Office for National Statistics reported a marked increase in anxiety with nearly half (49.6 per cent) of the population reporting high anxiety (Office of National Statistics).

"I was concerned that access to mental health support was proving difficult when people needed it most."

Wanting to find a way to be able to support the mental health of both her clients and other Dorset residents, Laura directed her efforts towards Facebook and decided to hold a Live video for people to watch, which she continues to host today.

She said: "I was so nervous, I had never done anything like this before, and was not really sure what to do. But, I felt it was important that I use my skills and experience to be able to support the mental health of people at this difficult time.

"My tips and hints seemed to be well received and views of my Facebook videos have been increasing week on week, with some people tuning in regularly."

From this, a Facebook Anxiety Support group was established, with 80 per cent of its members based in Dorset.

This group is a community of people supporting each other through the coronavirus pandemic and the associated anxiety this can bring.

Laura said: "There can be a lot of bad press about social media, but I have successfully used it to support people’s mental health at this challenging time. I hope to be able to continue to offer these online services through the coronavirus pandemic and beyond."

Now, in the second lockdown, Laura is continuing to offer the support Dorset residents need.

She said: "It is frustrating that much-needed mental health support is being restricted for the residents of Dorset due to coronavirus at a time when it is needed most. However, I have found a way to bring mental health support to people via online platforms like Zoom and social media so that people's mental health does not suffer through this challenging and scary time."