Welcome to your Dorset Carers March newsletter! This month we’ll be focussing on the Museum of East Dorset, where they are prioritising accessibility and inclusion as they offer aim to provide a visitor experience enjoyable for everyone. We’ll also take you into the recent local and national discounts, a new Carers Stroke support course, as well this month’s featured offer.

We hope you enjoy reading!

You can also find all the free and low cost offers in Dorset and BCP on our website, or following the link below!

Featured Offer: LB Legacy Services

LB Legacy Services are a Dorset based company providing a comprehensive range of estate planning and probate administration services tailored to your individual needs. Our experienced team offers professional, accurate and compassionate support to give you peace of mind while protecting your legacy and your family’s future. 

We guide Executors through the Probate process, ensuring estates are administered efficiently and with care. We tailor and prepare clear, legally sound Wills that reflect your wishes and safeguard your loved ones.  We advise on the creation and management of Trusts to help protect your assets and ensure they are passed on according to your intentions. Trusts can provide significant benefits, including asset protection, tax advantages and privacy. 

We also assist with Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), enabling you to appoint someone you trust to manage your financial, health and personal affairs should you become unable to do so yourself. 

Whatever your circumstances, we are here to support you every step of the way with expertise and personalised attention. 

Emma 

Business Development Executive 

The Museum of East Dorset: Bringing Accessibility to the Forefront

For Carers, planning a day out can often come with a long list of questions, worries and extra considerations. Many support someone with additional needs, sensory considerations, mobility challenges or other accessibility needs which can make visiting attractions feel stressful rather than enjoyable.

The Museum of East Dorset aims to change this, putting accessibility at the forefront of their visitor experience.

They are offering Free Essential Carers Access, and have recently invested in new infrastructure to ensure they are catering for a variety of visitors, providing peace of mind for Carers who may be worried or concerned when planning days out.

Forward Carers very own Karen Warr recently went to check out some of these initiatives. See out what she has to say about it below!

Prama Life Stroke Support

If someone close to you has had a stroke, you may have found yourself becoming a Carer very quickly. Life can change overnight, and there is a lot to learn, and not much time to adjust.

PramaLife, a local charity, is working working with NHS colleagues to offer a free five week information course for people caring for someone after a stroke.

Whilst the course has already started there are more upcoming sessions which could provide support, comfort, and information for you.

• 🗓️ Thursday 19th March: Speech and Language Therapy
• 🗓️ Thursday 26th March: Continence
• 🗓️ Thursday 9th April: Local support for Carers, including Benefits and Practical Help
• 🗓️ Thursday 16th April: NHS Support for Carers

The course is held at Tesco, Riverside Avenue, Bournemouth, BH7 7DY, with free parking for upon to three hours.

Contact Sue.warr@prama.uk or call 01202 804914 to discuss getting onto the course.

Upcoming Event: Support for Working Carers Discovery Session

For Carers, planning a day out can often come with a long list of questions, worries and extra considerations. Many support someone with additional needs, sensory considerations, mobility challenges or other accessibility needs which can make visiting attractions feel stressful rather than enjoyable.

Thankfully, more venues are recognising the importance of accessibility and are taking practical steps to make visits easier, more inclusive, and welcoming to everyone.

Situated on the High Street in Wimborne Minster, the Museum of East Dorset is a brilliant example of this. Already celebrated as ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2025/26’, the museum has turned it sites to making its spaces and experiences accessible to all.

Forward Carer’s very own Karen Warr recently visited to find out more.

During her tour, she met Rachel, the museum’s Learning Lead, who shared some of the work the team has been doing to improve accessibility.

“The team have worked to produce a series of resources for visitors with SEND and we now have a lift, making the museum even more accessible to people of all ages and disabilities.”

Here, Karen shares some of the insights she gained on tour, exploring some of the practices which make the museum a perfect destination for Carers and families.

the House

Dating back to the 1500’s, the house has been home to many different people over the centuries. In 1962, Hilda Coles closed the family Ironmongers, and the building became a museum, which is now run as a charity.

Visitors can discover the fascinating stories of people who lived and worked there, while exploring a wide range of collections and themed exhibitions. What makes the experience stand out even more is the museum’s clear focus on accessibility:

• Braile books in each room of the Museum 

• Interactive displays 

• A new lift installed through fund raising 

• Blue Dementia friendly toilet seat and soap in the toilet and a red cord alarm 

• Part of the ‘Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme’ 

• ‘Wheelchair Users guide’ available on their website 

the gardens

The museum’s gardens stretch for 100 metres and offer a calm, welcoming space to relax, and explore. Developed largely by Blanche Coles and her daughter Hilda, the gardens are another part of the visitor experience that has been made easier to enjoy with:

• Clear signage throughout

the tea room

Set within the garden, the tea-room also includes a thoughtful accessible feature to support a wider range of visitors, including:

• Accessible Crockery, soup bowls, double handed mugs and teapots, and easy grip cutlery 

• A visual menu 

• A braille menu

the sensory shed

One particularly valuable feature is the sensory shed – a relaxed sensory safe space designed to help visitors take a break if they need time away from a situation.

• Weighed blankets

• Sensory toys

• Sensory lighting

superhero sensory sack

Visitors can also borrow a Superhero Sensory Sack to support them during their journey around the museum. These can be personalised by choosing the items most helpful for each individual visit. Contents include:

Ear defenders 

• A magnifier 

• ‘Today I will visit’ PECS style planning board 

• Reins 

• A character puppet 

• A torch 

• 7 x fidget toys 

• Picture guide to the museum with ‘sensory safe’ zone marked 

• Photo content list 

• Museum quiz sheet and pencil

resources to use before you visit

To help visitors prepare in advance, the museum also offers downloadable resources, including:

• Museum Visual Story 

• PECS Style Museum cards 

• Pictorial Museum Guide 

virtual museum

For this who are unable to attend in person, the Museum of East Dorset offers a virtual Museum experience through its website, helping more people more people enjoy what is has to offer in a way that works for them.

The museum is more than just an interesting place to visit. It is a welcoming, inclusive space that has clearly thought about how to reduce barriers and make visits easier for people of all ages and abilities.

For Carers and families, that can make all the difference.

National Employee Appreciation Day, held on the first Friday of March each year, is an opportunity for organisations to celebrate their staff, recognise those who go the extra mile, and acknowledge the contribution employees make to business success.

Recognition does not always have to come in the form of financial reward. While bonuses and pay increases are welcome, appreciation can also be demonstrated through understanding, flexibility and compassion. For employees who are also unpaid Carers, this kind of support is not simply “nice to have” — it is essential.

Unpaid Carers look after someone who depends on them due to disability, serious illness, frailty or addiction. Caring can be emotionally and physically demanding. When combined with a rigid, uncompromising full-time job, the pressure can quickly lead to stress, sickness absence or even resignation.

Research from Carers UK shows that 2.6 million people have given up work to care — that’s around 600 people every day. Behind each number is a skilled, experienced individual who may have wanted to remain in employment but felt they had no choice.

One of the most powerful ways an organisation can demonstrate appreciation is through supportive leadership. A line manager who acknowledges, understands and empathises with caring responsibilities can make the difference between an employee thriving or leaving.

By adopting a Carer Friendly Employer approach:

• Staff retention strengthens
• Absenteeism reduces
• Experienced and talented employees remain within the organisation

Want to find out more about how workplace training can help your business?    

Join our free 30-minute interactive Discovery Session to explore the business case for Carer Friendly workplaces. Around 1 in 7 employees is balancing work and caring responsibilities in your workforce today— learn who they are and how to support them. We’ll share practical tips and quick wins, our workplace training options and explain how you can achieve the Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark certification

Read the story below. Connie, an unpaid Carer, illustrates how the actions of a line manager — both negative and positive — can have a profound impact, and how tools such as a Carer ID card and a Carer’s Passport can transform working life.

We are delighted to invite another member of staff to our team in Dorset!

This role involves raising awareness of the lives of unpaid Carers, building business to business relationships, delivering the Carers ID Card scheme and our Carer Friendly Communities objectives.

It is ideal for an enthusiastic, compassionate, organised and skilled communicator.

Full Job description is below. Applications should be sent to julie.robinson@forwardcarers.org.uk by Wednesday 11th March 2026 and interviews will be held on Wednesday 18^th March 2026. 

Project Assistant at Forward Carers

Job Role: Project Assistant (Two Years Fixed Term) 

Job Level: Assistant 

Purpose:  The Forward Carers Project Assistant will support the Project Co-ordinator, Programme Manager and wider team to deliver the Dorset Carers Card programme helping with day-to-day tasks to ensure smooth and effective delivery of this service, community outreach and Carers ID card. You will also Support our Carer Friendly Wiltshire programme as required. 

Hours of work: This role is part time, please include your preferred hours in your application.  

Job location:  Home based with travel across Wiltshire, with some travel to Dorset and BCP. The nature of the role could require occasional regional and UK travel.  

Salary: £25,947 

Reporting to: Programme Co-ordinator  

About Us: Established in 2014, Forward Carers is an award-winning not for profit social enterprise on a mission to create Carer Friendly Communities across the UK, places that understand and support unpaid Carers. We achieve this by developing partnerships with not-for-profit organisations who deliver our services. We also work directly with services, businesses, and employers to empower them to support the unpaid Carers in their communities.  

Our current contracted services are Birmingham Carers Hub & Young Carers Service, Sandwell Carers Hub, Dudley Adult Welling being & Young Carers Service Walsall Carers Hub, Carer Friendly Wiltshire and delivering the Carer Friendly ID scheme in Dorset. We also seek charitable funding from organisations such as the Big Lottery. We are a flexible and inclusive team and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds, including unpaid Carers and ex-Carers.  

Your Impact:  

As Project assistant, you will deliver the successful implementation of the Dorset Carers Card and on occasion support Carer Friendly Communities Projects in Wiltshire. This role involves building business to business (B2B) relationships, raising awareness of the lives of unpaid Carers, including Young Carers within the local and business community, delivering the Carers ID Card scheme and our Carer Friendly Communities objectives. You will collaborate with local Carers, businesses, organisations, Stakeholders and Service partners to support in improving the identification and lives of unpaid Carers.  

Key Responsibilities 

Business and community relationships:  

• Seek out and engage businesses and organisations to make an offer a Community Pledge of support, including to our Carers ID Card – Wellness Directory 

• Build and maintain relationships with local communities to ensure unpaid Carers and professionals are aware of the Carer ID Card and that discounts and offers are meeting the needs of Carers 

• Support identification of hidden Carers and signposting Carers for support 

• Approach businesses in a wide range of ways, including door to door, digital and events 

• Assist Programme Manager and partners to build Carer Friendly Communities including GP’s, PCN’s, and Hospitals 

Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure strong working relationships  

• Enable and empower Carers and Young Carers to have a voice within the programme to provide their valuable feedback. This includes finding and supporting Volunteers Carer Ambassadors 

• Represent Forward Carers at a wide range of events and meetings in a professional manner, including Carers week, Carers Rights day, and Young Carers Action Day 

• Support Carers to access our Carers Card by helping with applications, this could be face to face, via emails or over the phone. 

Reporting and Communication: 

• Provide data to our internal reporting systems in an accurate and timely manner 

• Respond to telephone and email enquiries, conveying accurate information promptly and appropriately 

• Contribute innovative ways to identify hidden Carers and new business leads 

• Contribute to the Carer Friendly Monthly Newsletter 

• Deliver and support Carer Friendly Communities Discovery sessions for local partners, business and Carers ensuring a timely follow up on any leads and all actions 

Administrative Support:  

• Support the administration of customer surveys and other team communications 

• Assisting in the preparation and distribution of materials and stationery required for events 

• Preparing and providing Business welcome packs, certificates and any other admin required by project 

• Updating internal CRM system (Salesforce) with project activities and impact  

• Providing content for socials, newsletters and in print materials, as directed by the Programme Manager and Communications team.  

Who You Are: As a Project assistant you will be responsible for supporting the project Co-ordinator and Programme Manager in implementing our Carer Friendly Communities programmes in Dorset and supporting colleagues in Wiltshire. An enthusiastic, compassionate, organised and skilled communicator with experience of professional and community relationships. You will be an effective team player with the ability to be flexible and adaptable to support on other projects as needed. This role requires driving, your own vehicle and fluent spoken English to effectively communicate with stakeholders.  

You’ll Thrive With:  

• Local knowledge: You will be building successful B2B relationships. A sound understanding of Dorset rural and urban communities will help you in this role. 

• Exceptional Skills: Possess good organisational and communication skills and ability to deliver present our offer to Carers, businesses and local communities.  A passion for impacting positive change in the lives of unpaid Carers. 

• Personal Strengths: Diplomacy, strong intrapersonal skills, and ability to negotiate. Self-discipline, and compassion defines your approach to work and life.  

Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re passionate about enhancing the lives of Unpaid Carers including Young Carers, thrive in a role that requires independent working and offers variety, challenge, and the opportunity to grow, we would love to hear from you. Your journey with Forward Carers promises to be rewarding, impactful, and a vital part of our community’s support system.  

How to Apply?  

To apply for the role of Carer Friendly Project Co-ordinator at Forward Carers, please submit your CV, a one-page covering letter, your preferred part-time hours and your response to the questions below.  

Your covering letter should show your experience or your potential to learn skills, and passion for the role. Include specific examples that show your what will make you successful in B2B relationships, networking, and stakeholder engagement.  

In addition, please answer the following questions and submit this with your application.  

Pre-interview Questions (please respond to both question on a maximum of one page of A4) 

1. Business Relationship Experience: This role involves approaching businesses, sole traders and organisations to secure a pledge of support (such as a discount or offer) for our Wellness Directory. Can you describe a time you identified and engaged potential businesses, how you approached them and what the outcome was?  

2. Collaborative Stakeholder Engagement: A significant part of this role involves collaborating with unpaid Carers, stakeholders and external partners. Could you provide an example of a situation where you worked with a diverse group of stakeholders to support programme or projects goals? 

If shortlisted and invited for an interview, we will use your responses to these pre-interview questions as a key part of the interview process. This approach will allow us to gain deeper insights into your experiences and how they align with the needs of our organisation.  

Applications should be sent to julie.robinson@forwardcarers.org.uk by Wednesday 11th March 2026 and interviews will be held on Wednesday 18^th March 2026. Please notify us at the point of application if you will require an alternative date. Thank you  

If you are invited to interview, we will ask you about any adaptations or accessibility needs that will support you to bring your best self to the interview. 

Joseph Edge, a PhD student at Birmingham City University, is recruiting participants from across the UK to fill out an online survey about how LGBTQIA+, autistic people understand romantic relationships. The survey would take no longer than 30 minutes to complete and is part of a PhD study on autistic romance.

If you wish to take part you must meet the following criteria:

Aged 18+
Identify as LGBTQIA+
Have an autism diagnosis. No relationship experience is required to take part – just your opinions!

The survey is open response, meaning that you can write as much (or as little) as you like for each question. The questions ask about your understanding of romantic and intimate relationships and you should be willing to discuss this, alongside your autistic and LGBTQIA+ identities. Examples of question topics include communication, identity and what a relationship means to you. There is an information sheet to read once you click the link, alongside providing some basic information about yourself (age, gender identity etc). The survey responses are anonymous.

Any questions? Reach out to Joseph Edge, PhD researcher:
joseph.edge@mail.bcu.ac.uk

This month’s newsletter focusses on how GP practices in Dorset have been becoming Carer Friendly, whilst also taking a whistle stop tour of all the latest national and local discounts available to you as a Carer. It also previews the upcoming Carer ID Card discovery session.

We hope you enjoy!

Featured Offer

Dorset Nursing Supplies – 10% discount on body worn PPE. for Carers.

Dorset Nursing Supplies is a family run, well-respected medical supply company within the NHS and the care industry. We have been a provider of medical supplies, medical equipment and incontinence supplies since 1985. We also offer servicing/inspections/calibrations, repairs and hiring of medical equipment. 

We supply a vast range of medical products to Nursing/Care Homes, various NHS establishments, Surgeries, Nursing Agencies and the General Public, as well as Hospitals, Universities and Schools. For example, supplying care equipment and consumables to Nursing Homes, couch rolls and surgical instruments to Surgeries and incontinence aids and mobility equipment to the public. 

We can help you with an extensive range of medical supplies from incontinence products, health monitoring equipment, bathroom, toilet and mobility aids, hospital beds, PPE/infection control products, janitorial supplies and first aid kits. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the online store, remember this is only a selection of what we sell. We also have access to thousands of products from the major manufacturers in the medical supply industry such as Omron, Bunzl, Abena, Performance Health, Sunflower Medical, Labcold and more. 

Celebrating Carer Friendly GP Practices in Dorset  

Every two months, Forward Carers meets with NHS Carers Leads from Participation Teams to share what we’re hearing from Carers, reflect on the support being provided by surgeries to keep improving how Carers are identified and supported across GP practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs).

You can read all about the GPs and PCNs who have committed to becoming Carer Friendly, and what this means for you, by clicking on the link below!

Upcoming Online Carers ID Card Discovery Sessions

The next online Carers Card Discovery Sessions are taking place on the 24th February 2026 at 1.30pm and 6.30pm!

Feel free to join us and 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.

The presentation is for approximately 45 minutes with 15 minutes questions and answers at the end.

Follow the links below to confirm your place!

Every two months, Forward Carers meets with NHS Carers Leads from Participation Teams to share what we’re hearing from Carers, reflect on the support being provided by surgeries to keep improving how Carers are identified and supported across GP practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs). 

These meetings are an important space to: 

• Raise the issues that matter most to Carers right now 

• Share what’s working well in local areas 

• Celebrate Carer Friendly GP practices making a real difference 

• Agree practical actions that help Carers feel recognised, supported and included 

And most importantly, they help us make sure Carers’ voices are heard in health settings. 

Celebrating Carer Friendly GPs and PCNs

As part of this work, the GP Carers Engagement Facilitator Team has highlighted several GP practices and PCNs for the amazing work they do to support unpaid Carers. A huge congratulations to everyone recognised, your commitment really matters. 

Below are a few standout examples, in their own words.

⭐ Littledown Surgery 

(Bournemouth East Collaborative Network) 

Littledown Surgery was recognised for the compassionate and support offered to bereaved Carers: 

“Exemplary service that is offered to bereaved Carers, including calling the Carer when you are notified that a cared-for person has died and signposting them to bereavement support.” 

Why this matters: 
When caring ends, it can feel like the world changes overnight. A kind call and clear signposting can help bereaved Carers feel seen, supported, and less alone. 

⭐ Banks and Bearwood Medical Practice 

Banks and Bearwood Medical Practice evidenced how they worked hard to find answers for Carers facing challenges. 

“We were very impressed by the Carers Lead’s passion to find the best possible for a Carer, who was facing a challenge shared by many; needing respite care so that they can take a vital break from their caring responsibilities.” 

Why this matters: 
When Carers face challenges, they sometimes don’t know who to turn to. Carers Leads often have a wealth of knowledge they can share, providing valuable support when most needed and preventing a crisis situation. 

⭐ Barcellos Family Practice 

Barcellos Family Practice shared how all departments work closely together with regular staff catch ups. All members of staff could highlight any admin improvements that could be made. 

“We did a session with all the staff on showing which boxes needed ticking so that all unpaid Carers were registered correctly. Communication is key” 

Why this matters: 
It is important for a whole team to know how to record the correct information. This leads to the best possible outcomes and support for Carers, ensuring essential information is not missed. 

⭐ Milton Abbas Surgery 

Milton Abbas Surgery sends out all newly registered Carers a welcome pack with a personal introduction to the surgery. Linking all Carers with their Carers Lead who as Social Prescribers can link Carers with groups and activities to support their wellbeing. 

“Milton Abbas Surgery continues to demonstrate excellent practice”. 

Why this matters: 
It is vital for Carers to know where to go for support and to be reassured that their own wellbeing is vital for them to be able to continue in their caring role. 

A special mention to other Carer Friendly practices and PCNs

We also want to recognise the fantastic work happening across many other areas, including: 

Orchard House PCN, The Blackmore Vale Partnership, Poole North PCN, Jurassic Coast PCN, Mid-Dorset PCN, Gillingham Medical Practice, The Adam Practice, Central Bournemouth PCN, Two Harbours Healthcare Ltd – Weymouth and Portland PCN, Westbourne Medical Centre. 

Thank you for the work you’re doing to support Carers; it really does make a difference. 

Your voice matters – tell us what would help YOU  

These NHS Participation meetings help us raise Carers’ experiences directly with the people shaping services but we need your input to make sure we’re focusing on what matters most. 

We’d love to hear from you: 

✅ Does your GP practice know you are a Carer? 
✅ Have you had a good experience you’d like to share? 

Happy New Year and welcome to the January edition of our Carer Friendly Newsletter. As we step into a new year, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all unpaid Carers for everything you do every day.   

In this Newsletter, we’re shining a light on support for Carers in military families, reminding Carers to book onto one of our Carers ID Card Discovery Sessions, sharing this month’s local and national discounts.

We hope this newsletter helps you feel informed, valued, and supported as the year begins. As always, you’re not alone and we’re here to support you every step of the way! 

Featured Offer: Helen’s Hypnotherapy Online and at Helen’s practice-50% Discount.

Caring for someone you love can be rewarding, but it can also take an emotional toll. That’s why Helen at Helen’s Hypnotherapy is offering Dorset Carers an exclusive 50% discount on hypnotherapy sessions to support your wellbeing. Whether you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood, exhaustion, overwhelm or simply need space to breathe, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy provides a gentle, effective way to restore calm and build emotional resilience. Sessions are available online or in person in Ferndown, and are designed to fit around the unpredictable nature of caring. 

“As someone who has had a caring role myself, I understand firsthand how deeply caring responsibilities can impact our lives. This lived experience guides my approach and allows me to offer compassionate, non-judgemental support tailored to the unique challenges Carers face. Hypnotherapy can also help with unwanted habits, phobias, confidence, sleep and other issues that can become harder to manage when you’re supporting someone else. You deserve support too, and I’m here to help you take that step”. Helen Wilks DFSH, HPD, AfSFH (Reg), NCH (Reg). 

Supporting Military Personnel, Veterans and Their Families in Dorset

Military life can be very rewarding, but it can also bring unique challenges, especially for families. Frequent moves, periods of separation, physical or mental health needs, and the transition into civilian life can place extra pressure on both service personnel and their family.  

Across Dorset, there is a strong commitment to ensuring that military families, veterans and unpaid Carers are recognised, supported. 

Online Carers Card Discovery Session

Online Carers Card Discovery Sessions are taking place on the 24^th February 2026 at 1.30pm and 6.30pm. Join us and 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. 

See the link below to book through Calendly. 

Military life can be very rewarding, but it can also bring unique challenges, especially for families. Frequent moves, periods of separation, physical or mental health needs, and the transition into civilian life can place extra pressure on both service personnel and their family.  

Across Dorset, there is a strong commitment to ensuring that military families, veterans and unpaid Carers are recognised, supported. 

Carers within the Military Community – Why Identification Matters 

Many people in military families supporting a loved one don’t always see themselves as Carers but they are. 

A Carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a family member or friend who could not manage without help due to illness, disability, mental health needs, addiction or injury. Within the Armed Forces community, this might include: 

• Partners supporting veterans with physical injuries or PTSD 

• Parents caring for injured or unwell service leavers 

• Young people helping to support a parent or sibling 

Being recognised as a Carer is important. Carer identification helps people access: 

• Financial and wellbeing support 

• Discounts and concessions 

• Information, advice and community services 

• Recognition for the vital role they play 

• Early identification can make a real difference, helping Carers stay well and continue supporting their families without reaching crisis point. 

Help and care if the lead Carers service in Dorset and BCP Carer Support in the BCP area. It is important to register with them.  In addition, there are several other important organisations there to help.  

The Armed Forces Covenant in Dorset 

The Armed Forces Covenant Programme in Dorset brings together local councils, health services, charities and community organisations to make sure members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and have access to the support they need. 

Support available includes: 

• Mental health and emotional wellbeing support 
• Employment and skills assistance 
• Help with housing, finances and benefits 
• Community engagement and peer support 

You can explore what’s available through the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant directory.

If you’d like to speak to someone directly, you can contact the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant Programme: Email: dorsetafc@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk 
Address: Armed Forces Wellbeing Team, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester 
Dorset, DT1 1XJ 

Help for Heroes – Practical and Welfare Support 

Help for Heroes provides one-to-one support for veterans, serving personnel, and their families, including those who worked alongside the UK military or are relatives of someone who served. 

Their Welfare Service can help if: 

• You’re struggling with money or cost-of-living pressures 

• You need support applying for benefits 

• Your home is difficult to manage due to disability 

• You’re having problems with the War Pension Scheme 

Veteran Hubs, Sheds and Breakfast Clubs 

Social connection is just as important as practical support. Dorset has a range of welcoming spaces for veterans and their families: 

Veteran Hubs 

Safe, friendly places offering advice, company and refreshments for serving and ex-service personnel and their families. 

Sheds 

Part of the Men’s Sheds movement, these groups offer veterans of all ages the chance to learn practical skills, share experiences and build friendships. 

Breakfast Clubs 

Informal meet-ups for veterans who enjoy catching up regularly. You usually just pay for your breakfast, with no pressure or formal support required. 

For a full overview of what’s available locally, visit the Dorset Forces Charity Network.

Bereavement Support in Dorset 

Sadly, some military families experience bereavement, whether during or after service. Support is available, and no one has to face grief alone. 

Dorset offers a wide range of bereavement support services, including emotional support, counselling and practical guidance. You can find up-to-date information through Help and Kindness Directory ,  BCP Bereavement Support and Leonardo Carer Support 

Whether you are serving, a veteran, a family member who is an unpaid Carer, help is available across Dorset and BCP. Recognition, early support and strong community connections can make a real difference to wellbeing, resilience and family life. 

If you think you might be a Carer, or if you’re supporting someone in the Armed Forces community, reaching out can be the first step towards feeling more supported and less alone. 

Forward Carers is delighted to present Ridgewater Energy with our Carer Friendly Employer Commitment Mark, recognising the organisation’s commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive workplace for employees who also have unpaid caring responsibilities. 

This award is given to employers who can clearly demonstrate progress against our five Carer Friendly Standards. These standards help ensure that staff who are Carers feel recognised, understood, and supported, including having the flexibility to take additional time off when needed to meet their caring responsibilities. 

Peter Bywater, Managing Director at Ridgewater Energy, said: 
“We are really proud to receive this award, in recognition of our company’s culture, under which, we care about our employees and give them the support and flexibility, to fulfil any caring responsibilities they may have now, and in the future. We recognise that there is always more we can do, but in achieving this recognition, we have made a strong commitment to carry on providing and strengthening this support.” 

One Ridgewater employee, who is an unpaid Carer for their parents, shared the impact this support has had: 
“I really value and appreciate knowing that the support is there, when I need it. Because, I know there is the flexibility for me to have extra time off, flexibility in attending appointments and knowing the company I work for, fully support my needs and go beyond what is typically expected from legislation, I can focus on both my wellness and my parents care, knowing they have my back.” 

Across the UK, 1 in 7 workers are unpaid Carers. Many juggle demanding roles at home and work and are often the most skilled and experienced staff. Without the right support in work, Carers Uk estimate 600 people in UK leave work every day due to caring.  

Ridgewater Energy has taken proactive steps to address this. Their team completed Carer Awareness Training, increasing understanding of unpaid caring roles and equipping advisors and assessors with the knowledge to better support clients and advocate for Carers. The organisation also actively supports the wider caring community through donations, attending events, delivering talks, and ensuring Carers’ needs are considered throughout their projects. 

Rachel Close, Programme Manager for Community and Business Relationships at Forward Carers, said: 
“We are incredibly impressed by the dedication and care Ridgewater Energy has shown in putting the wellbeing of their staff at the heart of their workplace culture. Their commitment goes beyond supporting employees who are Carers – by completing our Carer Awareness training, they have ensured that all staff are equipped to recognise and understand the challenges Carers face, both within their workforce and across the wider community. It’s inspiring to see a company using this knowledge to guide others towards support, creating a ripple effect of care and understanding that truly embodies what it means to be a Carer Friendly Employer.” 

Forward Carers is proud to recognise Ridgewater Energy’s leadership and commitment. Their actions set a strong example for employers across Dorset and show what is possible when workplaces truly value and empower Carers.