Why you should join a Carer Support Group or Café in Dorset
Attending Carer Support Groups or Cafés can make a big difference if you’re looking after someone. They’re not just about talking—they offer emotional, practical, and even health benefits.
They run throughout the month in various locations around the county, making them accessible and flexible. You don’t have to attend every one, just when you feel it would be helpful.
Of course, Support Groups and Cafés are not for everybody, and there is plenty more support available to you if this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea.
However, for many, attending these groups brings huge benefits which can help you grow in feel happier and more confident in your Caring role.
Emotional Support
Caring can feel isolating. Being around others in similar situations helps you realise you’re not alone. You can talk openly without feeling judged alongside people who genuinely understand what you’re going through.
Shared Advice and Experience
You’ll pick up practical tips from people who’ve been through similar situations—whether it’s managing stress, navigating services, or handling day-to-day challenges. This kind of real-world advice is often more helpful than formal guidance.
Improved Mental Health
Regular social contact can reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout. Having a space to vent, laugh, or just relax for a while can really improve your wellbeing.
A Break from Caring Responsibilities
Carers Cafés are usually informal and relaxed. Even just sitting with a coffee and chatting can give you a mental reset, which is crucial when you’re constantly caring for someone else.
Access to Information and Services
Many groups invite professionals or share resources about benefits, respite care, and local support. This can help you find assistance you didn’t know existed.
Building Friendships
Over time, these groups often become social networks. Friendships formed here can provide ongoing support outside the meetings, too.
Building Confidence
Learning from others and feeling supported can boost your confidence in your role and help you cope better with challenges.
What’s on in Dorset
Carers groups meet at different times, and you don’t have to attend every meeting.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations and contact details for places which provide Support Groups and Carer Cafés regularly on a variety of days throughout the week.
If any of them sound of interest, make sure to check out their events for ones which you can attend!
BCP Carer Support
BCP Carer Support offers Support Groups and Carer Cafés where unpaid Carers can meet others, share experiences, access information, and feel less alone in their caring role. These welcoming sessions provide peer support, conversation, and practical guidance, while helping Carers find out about other local opportunities and services. Carers can contact BCP Carer Support on 01202 128 787
They are also actively updating their Carers Calendar, which you can HERE. It’s a useful resource for upcoming events
Dorset Carer support service delivered by help and care
Dorset Carer Support Service, delivered by Help & Care, provides information, advice, and local support to help unpaid Carers manage their role and access the right services. Carers can contact the service on 0303 303 0153.
Dorset Council Community Directory in partnership with Help & Kindness
You can also explore wider local opportunities through the Dorset Council Community Directory, which includes details of Carer groups and support services across Dorset.
BCP Council & Prama life
FOCUS Carer Support Scheme, linked with BCP Carers Service and Prama Life, offers mentoring and befriending for informal Carers. This includes support from volunteer telephone befrienders who provide a regular friendly voice, as well as mentors who understand caring firsthand and can offer empathy, encouragement, and shared experience.
They also run Carer Support Groups where Carers can connect with peers over a cup of tea, gain emotional support, hear from professionals, and access useful information. For Carers who find it difficult to leave the house because of their caring responsibilities, online Carer support groups can offer a more flexible way to stay connected and receive support.
Minstead online carer community
This is a monthly online group (Teams Meeting) open to all Carers of people with learning disabilities/ and or autism from college age to old age, and from any area. You do not have to be connected to Minstead Trust. This provides an opportunity for on-line social connections, sharing experiences and mutual support.
Hello Dorchester Carers Group
Hello Dorchester is run by a volunteer from Rethink. The group would love Carers to join them for a coffee and chat in a relaxing atmosphere. You can join in conversations as little or as much as you wish and everyone is there to support each other. You can contact them at dorchestercarers@rethink.org for more information.
Make sure to check out a Carer Support group or Café to see if it could help you in your Caring role.