Welcome back to the Dorset Newsletter with your September discounts and Carer updates.  

We’ve got some great national offers available this month and continue to work with local businesses to bring you offers in Dorset.  

We are also signposting some useful services available in Dorset, including SWAN Advocacy and Help and Kindness.

Don’t forget, if there’s a business near you that you visit regularly, you can encourage them to sign up to our Carer Friendly Wellbeing Directory online. It’s easy. Just give them this link! 

Featured Business

Blandford Fashion Museum: FREE for Carers

Historical fashion museum set in a beautiful Georgian townhouse in Dorset 

Step back in time at the Blandford Fashion Museum. Explore fascinating costume collections and enjoy refreshments at our tearoom.  

There are thirteen display spaces over two floors and a rolling programme of exhibition changes. 

The exhibitions showcase historic dress and textiles and the connection between fashion and social history. 

Find the Blandford Fashion Museum at Lime Tree House, 11 The Plocks, Blandford Forum. 

Entry is FREE for Carers.

Discover Help and Kindness

Help and Kindness is a great resource for anyone in Dorset.

It enables people to give help, find help and work together, sharing information about groups, services, projects and organisations that support people across Dorset, including Carers.

Their searchable directory covers things like:  

• Food banks and community fridges 

• Social clubs and support groups 

• Health, fitness and wellbeing activities 

• Home-from-hospital and care support 

• Help for Ukrainian refugees and hosts 

Upcoming Discovery Session

Why You Should Join a Carer Support Group or Café in Dorset 

Caring for someone can sometimes feel lonely, even when you’re surrounded by people who care about you. That’s where Carer support groups and cafés come in.  

Across Dorset, there are dozens of friendly, informal spaces where you can grab a cup of tea, share what you’re going through with people who genuinely understand and pick up practical tips along the way. No pressure to talk if you don’t want to, just a welcoming space to be yourself. 

Curious what’s going on near you? Read the full blog to find out why it’s worth giving one a try.   

Summer is in full swing as we enter August, and we’ve got you covered on everything going on for unpaid Carers in your area!  

In this edition, we’re detailing the latest local and national discounts, with some holiday themes in case you are jetting off this month! 

You can also take a minute to watch our latest ‘how to’ video, showing you how easy it is to use your Carers ID Card to access our Carer Friendly Community discounts.  

In addition, you’ll find an interesting account of life as a young Carer published in the Guardian newspaper.   

Featured Business

Aimee Strongman Sunflower Yoga: Free for carers

Join Aimee Strongman, a British Wheel of Yoga and Yoga Alliance Professional accredited teacher, for a magical evening of sunset yoga amongst the sunflowers. 

Known for her warm, inclusive approach, Aimee believes yoga is for everybody. Her classes are less about perfect poses and more about moving, breathing and reconnecting with yourself in a way that feels good. 

Surrounded by beautiful blooms and golden evening light, you’ll be guided through a gentle, accessible practice suitable for all ages, abilities and experience levels. 

No flexibility required. No experience necessary. Just fresh air, movement, community and a little sunflower magic. 

Get in touch with Aimee to book your Sunflower Yoga session, or check out her range of other classes.

Admiral Nurse Support Available Across the BCP Area

An Admiral Nurse service is available to support unpaid Carers and families across the BCP area, delivered through the Royal British Legion in partnership with Dementia UK.  

Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who provide: 

• Emotional support

• Practical guidance 

• Guidance tailored to your situation 

• Help accessing local services 

• Support working alongside other professionals 

Support may be offered over the phone, face to face or through clinics. 

Eligibility  

This service is specifically for veterans and their families.  

Either the person living with dementia or their family Carer must have served in the British Armed Forces. 

To find out more or access support call: 03330 114 200.

Using your Carer Friendly ID Card

It’s easy to use your Carers ID Card!

Maya, one of the Carer Friendly team, shows you how in this short video. 

Free Library Books Delivered to your Home

Royal Voluntary Service run the Home Library Service and deliver books free of charge to you at home, if you are unable to get to your local library or if you are a Carer.  

They offer a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, delivered and collected every three weeks: 

• Large print novels 

• Ordinary print novels 

• Audio books 

• Help with accessing eBooks and eMagazines 

For more information phone 01305 236666 or email dorsethomelibraryservice@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk 

Upcoming Forward Carers Events

Aiden’s Story

You might be interested in this story from Aiden, an unforgettable young Carer from Walthamstow in London who has been looking after his mum for over half his life. 

This short video shows Aiden and other young Carers enjoying a rare night off and Satvinder, the dedicated council worker who is working tirelessly improve recognition for the young Carers she works with. 

There are more than one million young Carers in the UK, averaging the age of 12, which is the equivalent of two children in every school class. 

Is Mum OK? Was released during Carers Week. Watch it here: 

Your Opinion Counts

Your Opinion Counts! 

As part of our ongoing work to improve everything we produce for you we need a bit of help.  

What would you like to see more of in this newsletter? Carer stories, local events, more local or national discounts? Or something completely different? It doesn’t matter how ‘out there’ your idea is, we want to know.  

Drop us a quick email here and let us know what you’d like more of.  

The State of Caring is the UK’s most comprehensive regular research into the lives and experiences of unpaid Carers. It is used as a vital source of evidence not only by Carers UK, but by many other organisations including Government, local authorities, health and social care services, charities and carers groups.

Carers UK has been able to use Carers’ responses to the last year’s survey to contribute to:

• The UK Government-commissioned review of adult social care in England
• Set out Carers UK’s vision for the NHS and how it can better support Carers
• Call for a reform of Carer’s Allowance overpayments, leading to UK Government committing to reviewing thousands of overpayments cases
• Respond to the Government review of Personal Independence Payments
• Continue to campaign for paid Carer’s leave
• Submit evidence to the State Pension Review
• Publish new reports and policy briefings on topics including the cost of caring and the reasons why Carers end up giving up paid employment to care

In addition, the results from last year have been discussed on national TV shows including BBC Breakfast and Good Morning Britain, reaching millions of people and helping to raise the profile of caring.

The State of Caring 2026 survey is now open, and will be live until 11.59pm, Sunday 9th August 2026. The survey will take around 30 minutes to complete but you can skip some questions if you are limited for time. Start the survey here.

Other Ways to Have Your Say

• Sign a petition: You can call for action from the UK Government or UK Parliament by creating and submitting an e-petition. There are some current petitions that are relevant for unpaid Carers. If an e-petition receives 10,000 signatures, it will receive a response from the Government and if it receives 100,000 signatures it may be debated in Parliament. Take a look.
• Join our Carers Voice programme: You can decide on your level of input, whether you want to respond to surveys or consultations, join in person workshops and focus groups or share your story. Join today.
• Share your story : Sharing your caring experience can help other unpaid Carers feel less alone.  It can offer encouragement, practical tips from your lived experience, or you could be a source of hope and inspiration. For those who have not recognised themselves as a Carers, your story, might help them identify with you and seek support. Use this form to help you write your Carer story.

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!

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

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. 

June is a big month for us at Forward Carers, simply because, from 8^th to 14^th June it was Carers Week!  

This is a great opportunity for us to get out and about to various events, organised to honour and support unpaid Carers. 

This year’s theme was ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’, something we are always working towards. 

We’ll explain more about this further on but before we do, we just want to wish you a happy June and we hope you managed to access some of the great Carer events and activities put on as part of this very important week.  

Read on for your local and national discounts, upcoming activities, and some snaps from Carers Week!

‘Building Carer Friendly Communities’: Another Successful Carers Week! 

We try to get to as many events as possible during Carers Week, giving us the chance to meet with as many unpaid Carers as possible. 

This year we’ve been to partnership events, Carers groups and our own Forward Carers events. It’s been brilliant!  

Scroll through some of our pictures below to check out more!

What is a Carer Friendly Community

Our 2026 Carers Week theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, is all about how these communities can make a real and lasting difference to Carers’ lives. This is about recognising and supporting the 5.8 million people in the UK who care for family members, friends or neighbours who are ill, older or disabled.  

We are actively encouraging communities, workplaces, schools, faith groups, healthcare facilities and local organisations to make an effort to create an environment that values and supports you. 

The idea is that a Carer friendly community is a place or organisation that recognises Carers, listens to what they need and provides practical support so that they are not left to cope alone.  

Examples include: 

• Flexible working arrangements  
• Accessible community spaces  
• Culturally sensitive support 
• Initiatives in education, healthcare and local businesses  

The campaign emphasises that when communities take action, they can positively impact the health, wellbeing, financial security and relationships of Carers. 

A lot of work is going on behind the scenes to push this theme forwards and by continuing to raise awareness, provide support and take action in the community we hope to make everywhere a far more friendly place for Carers.  

If you want to find out more about why we need Carer friendly communities and how we can build them together, have a read here on the Carers Week website. 

What’s on in June

Carers Week might be over for this year but there are still plenty of things going on in Dorset. 

If you don’t know about it already, the Kissing it Better Calendar is a great place to find out what is happening near you.  

Check out their calendar below for any activities which catch your eye!

Dementia Action Week is a time to raise awareness of the experiences of people affected by dementia. This year, it takes place from 18 to 24 May.

Held each year across the UK, the week brings together charities, health services, community organisations and local partners to raise awareness, challenge stigma and encourage people to take action.

Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding. It can often lead to isolation, stress and a decline in mental health and wellbeing.

This Dementia Action Week, we are encouraging Carers to look after themselves too. This includes learning what support is available, finding ways to reduce the impact of caring on their own lives, and recognising the importance of sharing their experiences.

Dementia Carer Support in Action: Adam and Neil’s Story

Adam and Neil Joesbury are brothers who live in Birmingham with their dad Bob. 

In 2017 Bob had a bleed on the brain. Bob was referred to a memory clinic and discovered that he’d also had two mini-strokes and was later diagnosed with vascular dementia. 

To help Adam try and understand what dementia is and how best to look after Bob, Neil took his brother to some dementia Carer support groups. 

Adam, who has a learning disability, struggled with these support groups and found them boring. With the help of a dementia advisor from the Alzheimer’s Society, she devised some practical sessions tailored for Adam to explain what dementia is in a visual way and they’ve really helped him.

Adam said, “First my learning disability wouldn’t let me understand dementia. But doing it with pictures makes it easier. And I like drawing to understand when people are talking to me.”

With this support, Adam and Bob can be independent while Neil is at work. Adam takes his dad shopping and cooks for him. When Bob is at the dementia café, Neil and Adam can enjoy some time together and have a bit of respite. It’s a real team effort and they all look out for each other.

Support from the Community

Neil’s workplace (M&S) is very understanding and allows Neil to have his phone with him on the shop floor, this way, Adam can call him if he’s having a bad day.

As well as a supportive workplace, Neil, Adam and Bob are well-known in their area and are lucky to live in a community where people look out for them.

“We can’t go anywhere,” Adam said, “because someone will recognise Neil and he stands there for half an hour talking!’

Bob went out one day to the cashpoint he usually uses but finding it broken, he went to a different one and got lost. Local businesses know about Bob’s dementia and luckily for him, staff in Iceland knew where he lived and pointed him in the right direction. Although, Bob wears a GPS tracker to give Neil peace of mind while he’s at work, knowing that local shops, pubs and cafés know where they all live is reassuring should Bob ever get lost or Adam needs any help.

Adam and Neil would like people to be more patient and helpful, as they say this makes a huge difference to them. 

Read more about their story below, and how you can find support in your role as a Dementia Carer.

What’s On

Check out the events you can get involved in this Dementia Action Week and beyond to see how you can feel healthier and happier in your role as a Dementia Carer.

Welcome to your April newsletter! This month, we’re highlighting the variety of local and national discounts you can receive as a Carer in Dorset, as well as some of the local Carer Cafes and Support Groups you can get involved with!

We hope you enjoy!

Why you should join a Carer Café or Support group

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.

Read more information about groups near you below.

Upcoming Forward Carers sessions

Join our upcoming learning sessions designed to support you in your Caring role.

Check out what’s on below, and make sure to book your place!

Forward Carers Awards Employer Commitment Mark to Leonardo Carer Support Dorset

Forward Carers is proud to award its Employer Commitment Mark to Leonardo Carer Support – Dorset in recognition of the organisation’s outstanding commitment to supporting employees with caring responsibilities.

Going beyond statutory requirements, Leonardo Carer Support Dorset has introduced a comprehensive paid Carers Leave policy for staff, demonstrating a clear and meaningful commitment to helping working Carers balance their professional and personal lives.

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.

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.

Forward Carers is proud to award its Employer Commitment Mark to Leonardo Carer Support – Dorset in recognition of the organisation’s outstanding commitment to supporting employees with caring responsibilities.

Going beyond statutory requirements, Leonardo Carer Support Dorset has introduced a comprehensive paid Carers Leave policy for staff, demonstrating a clear and meaningful commitment to helping working Carers balance their professional and personal lives.

The award was presented during an inspiring meeting with CEO Donna Blanche and her team. The conversation provided an opportunity to share lived experience as working Carers and to reflect on the importance of ensuring employees can continue to thrive in the workplace while managing the vital support they provide to others.

Rachel Close, Programme Manager at Forward Carers, said:

“Ideally, working Carers should never feel they have to choose between their job and the person they care for. Employment offers so much more than a salary;  it can provide professional identity, job satisfaction, social connection and often valuable respite or space away from caring responsibilities. Employers like Leonardo Carer Support are showing how thoughtful policies and a supportive culture can make this balance possible.”

Leonardo Carer Support has also taken practical steps to embed this support across the organisation, including training a designated Carer Champion to advocate for colleagues. Additionally, they are offering training space to Forward Carers to help engage and support other employers interested in strengthening their support for working Carers.

Donna Blanche, CEO of Leonardo Carer Support, said:

“It’s not just what we do as a service to our community, it’s who we are. That’s why we are committed to supporting Carers both in the community and within our own team.”

This award recognises Leonardo Carer Support’s leadership in creating a more Carer-Friendly workplace and highlights the important role employers can play in enabling unpaid Carers to remain in work, maintain well-being, and remain connected to their communities.