October Newsletter 2026

Welcome to your October Carer Friendly Newsletter!  

As the days get a little shorter and autumn settles in, we hope you can find a few moments for yourself with this month’s newsletter. 

Inside, you’ll find the latest news for unpaid Carers, new discounts and offers, local activities and opportunities, and information to help you in your caring role. We’re also sharing a very special poem written by a Carer, reflecting honestly on the impact caring can have on our lives, relationships and sense of self. 

Whether you’re here to find some useful support, save a little money, discover something new or simply enjoy a quiet read with a cuppa, we hope there’s something here for you. 

From all of us at Forward Carers, we hope you have a lovely October.  

Featured Business

Eyestyle Opticians, Shaftesbury: 10% off all complete prescription spectacles and sunglasses

Looking after others shouldn’t mean overlooking your own eye care. At Eyestyle’s Shaftesbury branch, Carers get 10% off all complete prescription spectacles and sunglasses, plus non-prescription sunglasses.*  

The friendly, independent team offers thorough eye exams and expert advice with no pressure. They also offer FREE hearing tests!  

Pop into 56 High Street, Shaftesbury, or call 01747 851006 to book.

*Offer valid at our Shaftesbury shop only and cannot be used alongside GOS vouchers. 

Find out More

Featured Business

Furzedown Farm, Weymouth: 10% off all classes and groups for Carers and FREE entry to any Carer groups 

Changing lives through meaningful connections with people, horses and nature 

Furzedown Farm is based on the outskirts of Weymouth on the incredible Jurassic Coast. An approved livery and animal activity centre they offer equine education, livery and grass-based equestrian events. 

The activities part of the farm provides an outdoor, safe-space and inclusive educational environment where the positive impact on emotional health and well-being is transformative.  

The team and amazing ponies offer a variety of programmes with an animal twist.  

You can get 10% off all classes and groups for Carers and FREE entry to any Carer groups 

Recognising you are a Carer 

Since you are here reading this newsletter, you already know you are a Carer! But there are many people out there looking after family members, friends and neighbours and they simply don’t realise that what they are doing is an unpaid caring role.  

Dorset Council want your help to highlight to others that they are Carers and that they are entitled to support. You can read more about it here.  

If you know someone who is Carer but not accessing any support point them in the direction of the Dorset Carer Service so they can get the information, advice and guidance they need. 

News Stories 

Carer’s Allowance Review – What Carers Need to Know 

Thousands of unpaid Carers affected by historic Carer’s Allowance overpayments could have debts reduced, cancelled or refunded as part of a major Government review.

More than 200,000 cases are being reassessed following concerns about unclear earnings guidance. Carers do not currently need to take action – DWP is reviewing affected cases. 

Could paid Carer’s Leave be coming? 

The Government’s consultation on employment rights for unpaid Carers closed on 1st September where they have been reviewing employment rights for unpaid Carers, including options for strengthening Carer’s Leave.  

Carers UK is calling for a statutory right to paid Carer’s Leave, helping more people balance work and caring without having to sacrifice income. The TUC has called for workers to receive 10 days’ paid Carer’s Leave from day one of employment.  

We’ll be keeping tabs on this as it progresses and we’ll let you know when we find out more.  

Poetry Corner

Lost by Elizabeth Drake (unpaid Carer)

I’ve lost someone to dance with  

I’ve lost the person I walked up hills with 

I’ve lost the one who swam in the sea with me 

I’ve lost the retirement we planned  

I’ve lost the chance to childmind any grandchildren  

I’ve lost weekends away with the girls  

I’ve lost the chance to leave the driving to you  

I’ve lost someone to put the bins out 

I’ve lost the person who went in the loft 

I’ve lost the chance to cuddle on the sofa 

I’ve lost the person who held the door for me 

I’ve lost someone to empty the dishwasher when I’m tired 

I’ve lost the person that made me a coffee 

I’ve lost the chance to have a bath 

I’ve lost the person that would nip to the shops 

I’ve lost someone to help with the shopping  

I’ve lost long haul holidays  

I’ve lost short haul holidays  

I’ve lost spontaneity 

I’ve lost confidence  

I’ve lost the future  

I’ve lost us 

I’ve lost myself  

I’ve lost out 

Free 1-month YMCA Gym Membership in Bournemouth 

YMCA Bournemouth has partnered with LiveWell to offer clients (including Carers) a free one-month membership at Bayside Fitness Club or The Junction.  

This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the facilities, try a range of activities, and take positive steps towards improving your health and wellbeing. After the free month, discounted membership rates will be available for LiveWell clients who wish to continue their fitness journey. 

To help you get started and feel comfortable from day one, you’ll be warmly welcomed and met by a member of staff who will talk you through the facilities, answer any questions, and help you make the most of your membership.