Dorset Carers Card Service: Building a Carer Friendly Dorset
Feeling recognised as a Carer can be an important first step towards accessing support, information and opportunities that make caring easier.
The Dorset Carers Card Service is provided by Forward Carers and funded by Dorset Council and BCP Council, for Carers registered with the local commissioned Carers’ services. Through our service, unpaid Carers can access a Carer Friendly ID Card that helps them feel recognised in their caring role and connect with a growing range of discounts, offers and support.
Our Impact Review 2025 highlights the progress made through the Dorset Carers Card Service over the past three years and the difference it has made for Carers across Dorset.
What does the review tell us about Dorset?
Over the past three years:
- 4,078 Carers have taken up a Carer Friendly ID Card
- 488 discounted offers have been secured
- 443 organisations are recognised as Carer Friendly spaces
- Awareness has been raised with 784 businesses
- More than 1,000 Carers and 300 professionals have been engaged
- 48 community groups have joined the network
- 3,600 Carers receive Carers Journey resources
- 51 Carer Friendly health awards to GPs in partnership with Dorset Healthcare University Trust
Together, these figures demonstrate the scale of activity taking place across Dorset to ensure Carers feel recognised, informed and connected to support.
Recognition and Carer Friendly Communities
Many Carers do not immediately identify themselves as Carers and may be unaware of the support available to them.
The Dorset Carers Card Service helps address this by raising awareness of caring, encouraging organisations to become more Carer Friendly and creating visible recognition of the role Carers play. The Card also provides access to discounts, offers and information that can help make day-to-day life a little easier.
One Carer who attended a Discovery Session said:
“I am so glad I came today. There is so much more available than people know. Thank you for all you do. Carers need this.”
The approach has also gained national recognition. In 2024, the service was recognised by ADASS as an example of Great Practice in Carer support and included within the national Supporting Carers Hub.
Part of a Wider Picture
While this article focuses on the Dorset Carers Card Service, it forms part of Forward Carers’ wider network of support for Carers across the West Midlands and South West.
The Impact Review provides an opportunity to explore both the local impact of the Dorset Carers Card Service and the wider contribution that Carer support makes across communities.
Thank You
Thank you to the Carers, partners, businesses, community organisations, commissioners and funders who have contributed to building a more Carer Friendly Dorset.
Read the Impact Review
Whether you’re a Carer, a partner organisation, a commissioner or simply interested in supporting unpaid Carers, we invite you to explore the full Impact Review and learn more about the difference being made across Dorset and the wider Forward Carers network.