July Newsletter 2026
Welcome to your July Dorset Newsletter.
Summer is officially here, and so far there’s been plenty of sunshine. Long may it continue!
Our Wellbeing Directory discounts this month focus on days out, holidays and getting out and about, in case you get the chance to.
For working Carers, there’s an opportunity for you to have your say as the Government launch a new consultation on employment rights for unpaid Carers. We’ll be explaining more and showing you how you can get involved.
We’re also thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast, Carer Friendly Conversations, where we’ll be shining a light on the reality of being an unpaid Carer.
Read on to find out more!
National Discounts for Carers
Lovat Parks Holiday – Up to 10% off – 2026 UK holidays
£75 off – Disneyland Paris – Minimum spend £1500. T&C’s apply.
Up to 20% off UK Railcards – Book your UK Railcard through TrainPal and get up to 20% off.
25% off English Heritage Gift and Annual Memberships – Enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historic places with the English Heritage annual membership.
Merlin Essential Annual Pass – £109 – Get essential access for 339 days a year at all Merlin entertainment parks.
Dorset Discounts: Your Latest Local Offers
Jodie Anne Fitness, Poole – Carers get a 20% discount for any of Jodie’s female-only fitness classes, gym sessions and personal training sessions.
Lower Gardens Mini Golf, Bournemouth – Get a 10% discount on an 18-hole round of mini golf at the seaside. A 12-hole accessible course is suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.
The Old Curiosity Shop – Carers receive a 10% discount.
Amaretto Sport Fishing – Get 10% off whole-boat bookings on inshore fishing charters, and offshore and wrecking charters.
The Clay Studio – Better Craft and Paint, Christchurch – Get in touch with your creative side with pottery painting and crafts.
Featured Business:
The Running Duck Cafe: Receive 10% Off
Community and country style cafe in the heart of Blandford Forum. Home-cooked food and freshly baked cakes. Gluten-free and vegan menus available.
Carers are welcome to eat their own food in the cafe if their cared-for are buying something.
There is an accessible ramp and plenty of space in-between tables. Everybody is different and everybody is welcome.
Open Monday to Saturday 9-4pm
The Running Duck Cafe, 30A Salisbury Street, Blandford Forum, DT11 7AR
Telephone: 07800 746219
Facebook: The Running Duck Cafe – Blandford | Blandford Forum | Facebook
Have Your Say: Government Consultation on Carer’s Rights at Work
The Government has launched a new consultation on employment rights for unpaid Carers and they want to hear from you.
It’s asking about the real challenges of balancing paid work with caring and includes a proposal for a statutory right to paid Carer’s Leave. Your input could help shape future policy.
The consultation, covering England, Wales and Scotland, is open until 1st September 2026, and takes just a few minutes. There are three ways you can respond:
Email your response to: unpaidcarers@businessandtrade.gov.uk
Write to: Unpaid Carers Policy Team, Employment Rights Directorate, Department for Business and Trade, Old Admiralty Building, Admiralty Place, London SW1A 2DY
Feel free to take part if you can and share with anyone you know who might also want a say. Full details can be found here at gov.uk.
Our New Podcast: Carer Friendly Conversations
We’ve launched a podcast and we’re really looking forward to sharing some inspiring stories from Carers in our community.
In the UK alone, there are around six million unpaid Carers supporting loved ones, often while balancing work, family and everything in between. Our podcast takes you inside these experiences, through honest conversations, powerful stories and practical insights.
Hear from Neil Joesbury in our first episode, talking about Caring, co-Caring and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation.
We speak about his inspiring journey as a family Carer, his involvement in community support and the importance of inclusivity when it comes to unpaid Carers.
Free Tech Help for Carers from AbilityNet
Are you struggling with a glitchy laptop, a printer that won’t connect, or confusing smartphone settings?
Good news! There is help out there and it is FREE. AbilityNet offers a range of completely free tech support services for unpaid Carers and the people they care for, including:
- Free volunteer tech support – at home, by phone or online (call 0300 180 0028)
- Free factsheets on assistive technology, including Easy Read versions
- Funding advice for adapted computer equipment
- Free webinars on sight loss, hearing loss, dementia and more
- Smart tech tips for the home
- My Computer My Way – a free tool to unlock helpful accessibility settings on phones, tablets and computers
Upcoming Forward Carers
Carer ID Card Discovery Session
The next Carer ID Card Discovery Session is coming up on 18th August.
Join us for an online event to learn about the Carer Friendly ID Card and how it has been designed to help your life as a Carer.
Discover how to get and use the card, why it’s important, the exclusive benefits and discounts it offers and how we raise awareness of Carers in the community.
Support for Working Carers Discovery Session
The next Support for Working Carers session at is on 15th September.
Join Forward Carers 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. You’ll also learn how to approach conversations with your employer about your entitlements.