March Newsletter

Welcome to our March newsletter! As the weather begins to improve, we hope you are finding moments to enjoy the change of season and are feeling supported in your caring role. In this addition we’re excited to introduce Carer Money Matters, a new support service developed with Carers Trust, available in Dorset & Wiltshire. Offering guidance and resources to help Carers manage finances, access benefits, and navigate financial challenges. We’re also recognising Young Carers Action Day, held on Wednesday, 12th March, with the theme “Give Me A Break,” highlighting the need for young Carers to have time to rest and recharge.

New Service- Carer Money Matters

Carer Support Dorset & Wiltshire are excited to announce a new service, Carer Money Matters. Designed in collaboration with the Carers Trust, Carer Money Matters will offer Carers guidance and resources to help manage finances, access benefits, and navigate financial challenges in their caregiving roles. 

Worried about making ends meet for you or the people you’re caring for? 

We want to help you feel more confident about money, for you and the people you’re caring for. Carer Money Matters can help you understand, and get, the financial support you’re entitled to.  

Offering free advice on energy saving and energy debt, and help to get you on the Priority Services Register with your supplier. This will help you get extra support with things like meter readings, advance warnings of supply interruptions and how to save on cooking and heating. You’ll also get priority reconnection if your supply is interrupted. Also, advice on practical ways to reduce your energy bills that work for your individual circumstances.

The Financial Wellbeing Officers can talk to you about other money matters too, whether it’s for you or the people you care for. Balancing caring responsibilities and finances isn’t easy, and they can help you to access the support you need to manage money and reduce debt.  

We also know that a majority of carers are either forced to leave work altogether or to reduce their paid hours because of the pressures of their caring roles. So if you’re thinking about how to balance work and caring, they can also support with things like interview practice, job searching and getting your CV into shape.  

To get started with using this service contact Carer Support Dorset, please email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk, or call 0800 368 8349.

Young Carers Action Day

Young Carers Action Day (YCAD) is an annual event organised by Carers Trust to raise awareness of young Carers and the challenges they face. This year’s YCAD was on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, with the theme “Give Me A Break,” highlighting the essential need for young Carers to have time to rest and recharge.  

Purpose of Young Carers Action Day 

YCAD serves to spotlight the significant contributions of young Carers and advocate for better support systems to ensure they can thrive in both their caring roles and personal lives. The day emphasises the importance of recognising young Carers’ needs and implementing measures to support their health, education, and overall well-being.

Are you a Young Carer looking for support? Or do you know a Young Carer you would like to access support for?

Carer Support Dorset: Offers support and guidance tailored to the needs of young Carers in Dorset. 

  • Phone: 0800 368 8349 

MYTIME Young Carers: Focuses on empowering young Carers by providing opportunities for respite, support, and personal development. 

The Care Curious Community Hub

Care Curious Community Hub at Heather’s Tearoom, 233-235 Ashley Road, Poole. BH14 9DS. 

Open Wednesday’s from 10 am – 2pm. It is a free service and open to all.  

The Care Curious Community Hub has been set up to help and support people who have questions relating to care, this could mean support with personal care, live in care or simply help to organise a hot meal or arrange a stairlift. 

“We are supported by various professionals from different fields, voluntary organisations, charities, businesses and NHS services. We are here to help people who are not sure where to turn or simply unclear what they are looking for. Providing a safe space for people to bring the person they are caring for and enjoy a warm drink or just meet with a friend outside the home environment. 

We aim to help people by providing information to enable informed choices and wishes. By planning and being aware of the options available, people provide themselves with the opportunity to remain in control of their own lives. The additional benefit of course is that the people who will support you should a crisis occur know what you want, removing a great deal of stress and guilt and pressure for your loved ones.”