Joseph Edge, a PhD student at Birmingham City University, is recruiting participants from across the UK to fill out an online survey about how LGBTQIA+, autistic people understand romantic relationships. The survey would take no longer than 30 minutes to complete and is part of a PhD study on autistic romance. If you wish to […]
May Newsletter: Celebrating Carers Week 2025
Celebrating Carers Week 2025: Championing Equality for Unpaid Carers
Carers Week 2025, taking place from 9th–15th June, shines a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid Carers. This year’s theme, Caring About Equality, underscores the disparities and challenges Carers face, including financial hardship, social isolation, and limited access to support services.
Understanding the Theme: Caring About Equality
Unpaid Carers are the backbone of our society, providing essential care to family members, friends, and neighbours. Despite their significant contributions, many Carers experience inequalities that impact their health, finances, and opportunities.
Our Events and Activities for you
Forward Carers are putting on several events over Carers week. Some are available to book now and more will appear in early June.
Rights at Work
Support for Working Carers: Your Rights at Work & Financial Wellbeing. Join us for an informative online session exploring Carers leave and your rights in the workplace.
Learn how the Carer’s Leave Act and other rights can support you as a working Carer. Find out how to approach conversations with your employer about your entitlements. Hear from expert guest speakers, including the Carer Money Matters Project, covering benefits, budgeting help, and local financial support.
📅 Session Times on Microsoft Teams:
Lunch & Learn: 1:00–1:45pm (plus 15 min Q&A)
Evening : 7pm – 7,45pm (plus 15 min Q&A)
Take a look at what else is happening here: Calendly
Events from Our Dorset
Join the Our Dorset community in celebrating Carers Week with a series of events aimed at recognising and supporting Carers across the region.
Hidden Gardens Event Blandford Forum. (In partnership with Forward Carers and Carer Support Dorset)
Come and explore this fascinating Georgian gem, described as a “Little Bath in bricks”. Visit some very different gardens – Georgian to modern, large to courtyard, including ones not opened before. Refreshments available.
Cost – Free Entry to first 50 Carers and half price thereafter, with Carers ID Card. (usually £7.00) to visit all the gardens, accompanied under 18s free.
How to get tickets / programmes
Contact Us | Blandford Town Museum
More Events
Pavilion Dance Event
Celebrate the week with a special event at Pavilion Dance. Pavilion Dance South West – FREE Moving to Music Session, studio tour, Lunch & Social Time!
Date: Tuesday 10th June
Location: Pavilion Dance Southwest (Bournemouth in Dorset)
A morning of movement, music, a tour of Pavilion Dance studios, for Carers (those they support are welcome too). Lunch and refreshments included. Music and movement class are optional. We will be joined by various BCP Carers services for information and a chat.
🕙 10:00am – Start your day with refreshments, friendly chats, and find out more about local services and support available for Carers.
🕥 10:30 – 11:30am – Take part in a FREE Moving to Music Class led by Samantha Gillingham – open to Carers and/or their Cared For.
🥗 11:30am – 1:30pm – A relaxed social lunch, mini tours of the dance studios, and chat with a Wellbeing through Dance Producer.
🎟️ Tickets and lunch funded by Leonardo Carer Support.
Brownsea Island Trip
Take a FREE trip to The National Trust – Brownsea Island Saturday 14th June
Including FREE Ferry and entry included, limited to small group of 15, so book early via Carer Support Dorset.
Contact them via
Further Resources
For more information on Carers Week 2025 visit the official Carers Week website.
Dorset Carers: Your Latest Offers & Resources
Natural Skin by Lynne- Complimentary Pamper Session (for up to 4 people), and an additional 10% off any products/services purchased.
At Natural Skin by Lynne, we combine expert skincare with luxurious pampering to support the community, carers, and brides-to-be. As a qualified skin specialist and bridal makeup artist, Lynne is passionate about helping people look and feel their best—whether it’s through tailored skincare treatments or flawless wedding makeup.
We understand that carers often put others first, leaving little time for self-care. That’s why we offer relaxing facials, rejuvenating pamper sessions, and much-needed me time to refresh and restore. For brides, we create radiant, natural makeup looks that enhance their beauty while ensuring their skin is healthy and glowing for the big day.
From specialist skincare solutions to bridal transformations, Natural Skin by Lynne is dedicated to making everyone feel confident, cared for, and pampered. Because whether you’re a Carer, part of the community, or a bride-to-be, you deserve some ‘me time’….
Community Action Network
Community Action Network have just started a brand new project called ‘We CAN talk about cancer’, to help paid and unpaid Carers spot signs of cancer in the person they care for.
Volunteers, who have been trained by Wessex Cancer Support, will meet Carers in person or online and share a 20 minute presentation with them about signs and symptoms of cancer.
There’ll be time for Questions and Answers and Carers will be given booklets of useful information, including which voluntary and community sector groups can support following a cancer diagnosis.
Want to find out more? Please ask! Email hannah.rees@can100.org to arrange a chat’
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Posted 10 February 2026 Survey on Autistic LGBTQIA+ Romance
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Posted 4 February 2026 February Newsletter 2026
This month’s newsletter focusses on how GP practices in Dorset have been becoming Carer Friendly, whilst also taking a whistle stop tour of all the latest national and local discounts available to you as a Carer. It also previews the upcoming Carer ID Card discovery session. We hope you enjoy! Fitness First Gyms– 20% off the first […]
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Posted 4 February 2026 Celebrating Carer Friendly GP Practices in Dorset
Every two months, Forward Carers meets with NHS Carers Leads from Participation Teams to share what we’re hearing from Carers, reflect on the support being provided by surgeries to keep improving how Carers are identified and supported across GP practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs). These meetings are an important space to: And most importantly, they help us make […]