August Newsletter: Your Dorset Carer Updates

This month’s newsletter shines a spotlight on Better Housing, Better Health, a free UK-wide advice service helping Carers make their homes warmer, safer, and more affordable. You’ll also find the latest national discounts from well-known brands, alongside local offers and resources for Carers in Dorset and Wiltshire – from community hubs tackling loneliness to practical guides that make navigating care and support easier.

Better Housing, Better Health – Supporting Carers Across the UK

Looking after someone you love can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be tough, especially when housing conditions or high energy costs add extra pressure. Cold, damp, or homes in need of repair, can impact your health and the wellbeing of the person you care for. 

That’s where Better Housing, Better Health (BHBH) can help.

Plan Ahead – Even in the Heat

It might not be on your mind during this hot weather, but winter will be here before you know it. The support from Better Housing, Better Health is available now, so it’s the perfect time to plan ahead. Acting early means your home can be warm, safe, and affordable to run when the cold months arrive. 

What is Better Housing, Better Health?

Better Housing, Better Health is a free, confidential advice service that helps households across the UK make their homes warmer, safer, and healthier. Run by The National Energy Foundation, it offers practical guidance and connects you to grants, funding, and home improvements that can make a real difference. 

Why it Matters for unpaid Carers

If you’re a Carer, you probably spend more time at home than most, and the quality of that home can directly affect your health and your ability to care. 
BHBH can help you: 

Feel more comfortable – Warmer, more energy-efficient homes mean less stress and more peace of mind. 

Save money – Lower energy bills ease financial pressure, freeing up money for other essentials. 

Protect your health – A warm, safe home reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses, slips, and falls. 

Make daily life easier – When a home is well maintained and suitable, caring responsibilities become more manageable.

How Better Housing, Better Health Helps

You can get support with: 

  • Free advice on energy efficiency and insulation. 
  • Finding grants or funding for home improvements. 
  • Repairs or replacements for heating systems. 
  • Guidance on reducing damp and mould. 
  • Signposting to other local services that can help. 
Take the First Step

Don’t wait until the cold sets in,  find out what help you can access today. 

Click here to Visit the Better Housing, Better Health website to explore your options and see how they can support you. 

Savings Across the UK:

or all our Carers across the UK, we’re adding new offers for you each month. Here are some of the latest discounts available nationwide 

Crocs-Clogs and Sandals- 25% off full price + extra 10% off sale for Carers.  Discounts – Forward Carers 

Adidas- 15% off full price + 10% off sale for Carers. Discounts – Forward Carers 

Emma Bridgewater- 15% Carers discount. Discounts – Forward Carers 

DFDS- Dover to France Return Day Trip-Includes a car and up to 4 people. £45 return. Discounts – Forward Carers 

Asics- 20% Carers Discount. Discounts – Forward Carers 

Affiliated offers through Discounts for Carers. 

Dorset Carers: Your Latest Offers & Resources

The Shaftesbury Deli- 10% discount on all items, along with a complimentary hot drink for Carers who visit us. Discounts – Forward Carers 

White Crane Reflexology and Reiki- 15% Discount. Discounts – Forward Carers 

RiversMeet Leisure Centre Gillingham- Free Essential carers Access. Discounts – Forward Carers 

Trenic Taekwon-Do Academy Poole- Starter Package £69 (includes 1yr membership, 1 month training, uniform and syllabus) then 50% discount on next 3 months training fees £27.50 (regular price £55pm). Regular fees apply from Month 4. Discounts – Forward Carers  

Featured offer/service– Waffle Lyme!

Loneliness can affect anyone and for many Carers, it’s a hidden challenge alongside their caring responsibilities. That’s why Waffle Lyme provides this wonderful community offer designed to make connection easier, more natural, and a lot more fun. 

“At Waffle, we don’t just want to tackle loneliness, we want to prevent it,” says Ruth Wright, Community Co-ordinator. “We believe conversations shouldn’t feel forced, boring, or awkward. Instead, we want to create welcoming spaces where connection just happens.” 

The heart of this service is the Waffle House itself, where a warm welcome and a fresh waffle go hand in hand. Their menu is built around a secret family recipe, made from scratch, and every waffle sold directly supports community projects aimed at bringing people together. Whether you’re a Carer looking for a friendly break, or someone who just enjoys a good chat, the Waffle House is deliberately designed to spark conversation. from cosy seating layouts to friendly staff who make you feel at home. 

Click here to view their offer on the discount directory!

Funds from every purchase go towards local community work, helping people “waffle more adventurously”  encouraging genuine, enjoyable conversations that strengthen neighbourhoods and reduce isolation. So, why not drop by, enjoy a waffle, and start a conversation? It might just make your day and someone else’s too.

For more information, visit their website or pop into Waffle Lyme to see what’s cooking and look out for Ruth Wright their, Community Co-ordinator.