Winter is a season of joy and celebration for many, with festivities like Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve bringing families and friends together. However, for many unpaid carers, this period can be particularly challenging. The combination of financial pressures, emotional strain, and the demands of caring can make it difficult to fully participate in the season’s cheer.

Financial Pressures

Winter often brings increased expenses, from higher heating bills to the costs associated with holiday celebrations. For unpaid carers, who may already be struggling financially, these additional costs can be overwhelming. Reseach shows many carers cover the costs of care out of their own pockets, which can average around £7,200 annually – you can read more about this and other updates published by Carers UK last month here : Carers Rights Day report: Valuing Carers

There are several forms of financial support available, that can help, check if your eligible. 

• Warm Home Discount Scheme: A one-off payment of £150 to help with energy bills Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview – GOV.UK

• Cold Weather Payments: Payments made during periods of very cold weather.Cold Weather Payment: Overview – GOV.UK

• Winter Fuel Payments: Annual payments to help with heating costs. Winter Fuel Payment: Overview – GOV.UK

• Household Support Fund: Local councils can provide support for essential costs Get help with the cost of living from your local council – GOV.UK

Emotional Strain and Bereavement

The festive season can also be a poignant reminder of loved ones who have passed away. Celebrating without someone you cared for can bring up feelings of grief and loneliness. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support when needed. Bereavement milestones, such as the first holiday season without a loved one, can be particularly tough.

For bereavement support, you may find these sites helpful :

• Cruse Bereavement Care: Offers support for children, young people, and adults when someone dies. They provide face-to-face, telephone, email, and website support Home – Cruse Bereavement Support

• Samaritans: Provides confidential support for anyone in distress If you’re having a difficult time | Samaritans

• Help for Heroes: Supporting Veterans and their families  Home Page – Help For Heroes

Celebrating with Someone Who is Ill or in Hospital

For Carers looking after someone who is ill or in hospital, the festive season can be a time of mixed emotions. While others are celebrating, Carers may be dealing with the realities of illness and hospital visits. If possible, find ways for yourself and the person you’re caring for to take part in these celebrations, even if it’s in a small way. Great Ormond Street hospital has some suggestions: Top tips for your stay at hospital this festive season | Great Ormond Street Hospital

Staying Connected

Isolation can be a significant issue, especially during the winter months. Staying connected with others who understand your situation can provide much-needed support. Forward Carers offers online “Kissing it Better” Zoom groups, which are free social sessions for Carers. These sessions provide an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and find support from fellow Carers. They are held every Monday and Friday at 10:30 am and Thursday at 5pm.

Whether you are celebrating or managing a difficult moment, we wish you a safe and nurturing winter break with those you care about and care for.

Spring Into Support this April 🌼

We know that being asked to take part in surveys can sometimes feel like you’re saying the same thing repeatedly and you don’t see the impact. Sadly, some changes take a long time.  As Carers, your time is precious and often stretched between work, caring responsibilities, and everyday life. That’s why we want to be clear that we feel these two surveys are important – they are about you, your experiences, and how to improve support and research for Carers in the future.  

Take a moment to have your say—and don’t forget to check out our updated Carer discounts in Dorset!

Help Shape Future Carer Research – Share Your Views 

The research team at Bournemouth University is inviting Carers in the Wessex region (Dorset & Wiltshire) to take part in two important surveys. Your insights will help shape future Carer-focused research and better support systems for those balancing work and caring roles. 

1. Working Carers in Wessex Survey 

Many working Carers juggle employment with caring responsibilities – a tough balancing act that can affect wellbeing, relationships, and job stability. This survey seeks to better understand these challenges and gather your views on what research is most needed. 

✅ Who can take part? 
Unpaid Carers aged 18+ who are currently employed and live in Wessex (Dorset/Wiltshire). 

📋 What will you be asked? 
You’ll be asked about the support you receive at work, areas you think need more research, and basic personal information to help with analysis. 

2. Unpaid Carers in Wessex Survey 

This second survey focuses on unpaid Carers more broadly. Whether or not you’re in paid employment, the aim is to learn about your experiences with research and hear your ideas for how Carers can be more involved in shaping future projects. 

✅ Who can take part? 
Any unpaid Carer aged 18+ living in the Wessex region (Dorset/Wiltshire). 

📋 What will you be asked? 
You’ll be invited to share any previous research involvement, what topics matter most to you, and how we can make research more accessible for Carers. 

Why Your Voice Matters 

Both surveys are part of the Building Carer Research Capacity project, which aims to ensure that future research is shaped by Carers’ real-life experiences and priorities. Your feedback could help influence better policy, support services, and understanding of what it really means to be a unpaid Carer.  

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, you can contact: 

Dr Andy Pulman 
Post Doctoral Researcher in Social Care 
📧 Email: apulman@bournemouth.ac.uk 

Welcome to our March newsletter! As the weather begins to improve, we hope you are finding moments to enjoy the change of season and are feeling supported in your caring role. In this addition we’re excited to introduce Carer Money Matters, a new support service developed with Carers Trust, available in Dorset & Wiltshire. Offering guidance and resources to help Carers manage finances, access benefits, and navigate financial challenges. We’re also recognising Young Carers Action Day, held on Wednesday, 12th March, with the theme “Give Me A Break,” highlighting the need for young Carers to have time to rest and recharge.

New Service- Carer Money Matters

Carer Support Dorset & Wiltshire are excited to announce a new service, Carer Money Matters. Designed in collaboration with the Carers Trust, Carer Money Matters will offer Carers guidance and resources to help manage finances, access benefits, and navigate financial challenges in their caregiving roles. 

Worried about making ends meet for you or the people you’re caring for? 

We want to help you feel more confident about money, for you and the people you’re caring for. Carer Money Matters can help you understand, and get, the financial support you’re entitled to.  

Offering free advice on energy saving and energy debt, and help to get you on the Priority Services Register with your supplier. This will help you get extra support with things like meter readings, advance warnings of supply interruptions and how to save on cooking and heating. You’ll also get priority reconnection if your supply is interrupted. Also, advice on practical ways to reduce your energy bills that work for your individual circumstances.

The Financial Wellbeing Officers can talk to you about other money matters too, whether it’s for you or the people you care for. Balancing caring responsibilities and finances isn’t easy, and they can help you to access the support you need to manage money and reduce debt.  

We also know that a majority of carers are either forced to leave work altogether or to reduce their paid hours because of the pressures of their caring roles. So if you’re thinking about how to balance work and caring, they can also support with things like interview practice, job searching and getting your CV into shape.  

To get started with using this service contact Carer Support Dorset, please email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk, or call 0800 368 8349.

Young Carers Action Day

Carer Support Dorset: Offers support and guidance tailored to the needs of young Carers in Dorset. 

• Phone: 0800 368 8349 

• Email: admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk 

• Website: carersupportdorset.co.uk 

MYTIME Young Carers: Focuses on empowering young Carers by providing opportunities for respite, support, and personal development. 

• Website: mytimeyoungcarers.org

The Care Curious Community Hub

“We are supported by various professionals from different fields, voluntary organisations, charities, businesses and NHS services. We are here to help people who are not sure where to turn or simply unclear what they are looking for. Providing a safe space for people to bring the person they are caring for and enjoy a warm drink or just meet with a friend outside the home environment. 

We aim to help people by providing information to enable informed choices and wishes. By planning and being aware of the options available, people provide themselves with the opportunity to remain in control of their own lives. The additional benefit of course is that the people who will support you should a crisis occur know what you want, removing a great deal of stress and guilt and pressure for your loved ones.”

We are excited to announce that Bridgit, the digital carer support platform is now available for unpaid Carers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Initially available as a pilot until the end of March 2025, Bridgit aims to provide essential support to those need it.  

View their information leaflet here! 

What is Bridgit? 

Bridgit is a free online tool that packed with features to support Carers, including:  

• 24/7 Support – Quick advice and guidance, including a WhatsApp chat service 

• Smart Forms – One simple form to register for multiple support services 

• Carers Discounts – Access savings with the Virtual Carers Card 

• Emergency Planning Tools – Easily prepare for “what if” moments 

• Local Events & Services – Find nearby Carer-friendly activities and support 

Bridgit continuously updates its information, making it easier for Carers to find answers, plan for emergencies, and connect with local resources. 

How does Bridgit help? 

Caring for someone can be challenging and overwhelming. Many Carers struggle to find the support they need to balance their responsibilities. Bridgit complements the existing support provided by the BCP Carer Support Service by helping Carers: 

• Reduce stress and better manage their caregiving duties 

• Access financial support and wellbeing resources 

• Stay informed about local services and events 

All of this can be found at a time that works for them! 

How can you help?

We would love your support in raising awareness about Bridgit. Please share the platform with Carers who might benefit from it. Use the link below and encourage Carers to explore the platform: 

In this month’s newsletter we want to keep you informed, supported, and connected. This month, we’re reflecting on the first six months of the Carer’s Leave Act, highlighting positive changes in workplace support for Carers. We’re also sharing practical tips for talking to your employer about your caring role, plus a round-up of the latest exclusive discounts available to Carers nationwide.

For you Dorset Carers, we have new local discounts, and the exciting Coastal Cruises offer—a great way to enjoy the stunning Dorset coastline with a special 20% Carer discount.

Read on for all the details, and as always, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

The Carer’s Leave Act – 6 months on  

In April 2024, the Carer’s Leave Act was introduced, granting employees the right to take up to five days of unpaid leave annually to help juggling working and care.  We wrote about this for you: (Carer’s Leave Act Comes into Force on 6 April 2024 )  

A recent survey by Employers for Carers (EfC) has highlighted several positive developments in its first six months: 

1. Introduction of Paid Carer’s Leave: 44% of surveyed organisations now offer between one to ten days of paid Carer’s Leave, exceeding the statutory requirement of unpaid leave. Notably, 27% of these employers introduced paid leave for the first time following the Act’s enactment.  

2. Establishment of Dedicated Carer’s Leave Policies: Over half (51%) of the organisations have implemented specific policies for Carer’s Leave, a significant increase from 23% prior to the Act. This change enhances transparency and accessibility for Carers within the workplace.  

3. Growth in Workplace Carer Networks: Since the Act’s introduction, 23% of organisations have observed an increase in employees joining workplace Carer networks, indicating heightened awareness and support for Carers among staff.  

These developments demonstrate a growing recognition of the importance of supporting Carers in the workplace. You can read the full report here:  

Read the full report by carers uk here

Tips for a conversation with your employer

Letting your employer know that you have care responsibilities is a concern for some carers, but it’s an important step toward getting the support you need. Here are some tips to help you feel more confident and comfortable when having the conversation.  Read them here. 

National Carers: Savings Across the UK 

For all our Carers across the UK, we’re adding new offers for you each month. Here are some of the latest discounts available nationwide: 

Ninja-Discounts – 9% Carers Discount on Airfryers and Cookware. (Sale and Full Price).Discounts – Forward Carers 

Ugg-10% Carers Discount on Boots, Slippers and Slides. (Full Price).Discounts – Forward Carers 

Travel Lodge-5% Carers Discount on UK Hotels.Discounts – Forward Carers 

Bosch-10% carers Discount on All Home Appliances.Discounts – Forward Carers 

Just Travel Cover-15% Carers Discount on full price quoted.Discounts – Forward Carers 

(The above are affiliated offers through Discount For Carers).

Dorset Carers ID Card Holder Updates  

Our Dorset  – Together with Carers – A Dorset Vision 

Do you know how about Dorsets vision for Carers? Created with a forum of Carers and professionals. This vision lays out clear objectives for creating a culture where all Carers are listened to, valued, and recognised as an integral part of the health and care system. Steve Duckett is the Chair of the PDCSG and has been a Carer for many years. Read more here.

Your Latest Offers & Resources 

Here is a sample of the latest exclusive offers available to you this month: 

Sae Seaweed-10% Carers Discount on a Seaweed Bath situated on Studland Beach. Code Care10.Discounts – Forward Carers 

Fore Adventure-10% Carers Discount. Kayaking, paddleboarding, Foraging and Wild Food events. Code Care10%.Discounts – Forward Carers 

The Grange at Oborne- Country House Hotel-10% Discount off the price of food for a Carer and up to 3 guests.Discounts – Forward Carers 

Featured offer/service – COASTAL CRUISES POOLE  

Coastal Cruises Poole is excited to team up with Forward Carers to offer a 20% discount on our Sightseeing Cruises! 

With warmer weather on the way, there’s no better way to enjoy the stunning Dorset coast than by boat. Our Harbour & Island Cruise (15th Feb – 31st Dec 2025) is a 70-minute journey past Brownsea Island, Millionaire’s Row, and more. 

From 1st April 2025, our Jurassic Coast Cruise sets sail, offering a 2hr 15min tour past Old Harry Rocks, Swanage Bay, and the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast—keep an eye out for dolphins! 

We also run Poole to Swanage trips—a 1-hour scenic journey each way, with time to explore the Victorian seaside town before heading back. 

For a magical evening, try our Harbour Lights Cruise, running during school holidays for 90 minutes of sunset views. 

All cruises include live commentary from the Captain, a licensed bar, and onboard toilets. 

📍 To book, visit our blue & white kiosk on Poole Quay (BH15 1HJ) and quote ‘Forwardcarer20’ for 20% off the Harbour & Island Cruise, Jurassic Cruise, Sightseeing Cruise, or Harbour Lights Cruise. 

We can’t wait to welcome you aboard in 2025! 🚢 

Letting your employer know that you have care responsibilities is a concern for some carers, but it’s an important step toward getting the support you need. Here are some tips to help you feel more confident and comfortable when having the conversation. 

Take Time to Prepare 

• Think It Through: Spend a little time writing down your care responsibilities and how they affect and do not affect your work. This can help you explain your situation clearly without forgetting important points. 

• Know Your Rights: Learning about workplace policies and your rights as a Carer can make you feel more prepared. Our “Carers Rights”, and “Carers Rights At Work” discovery sessions will support you in this.  

Choose the Right Person and Time 

• the person to speak to. They can ensure your personnel file is updated to reflect this conversation and any outcomes from it.  

• If for any reason you do not feel comfortable talking to them, ask yourself who is the best member of staff who could support you in a meeting with them? Can they attend the event with you, to offer support?  

• You might be surprised to find that there is a workplace Carers Champion. They would be able to offer advice and signposting to resources and polices.  

• Find a Calm Moment: Look for a quiet time to talk, such as a one-to-one meeting or another private opportunity. A relaxed environment can make it easier to open-up and share your feelings. 

What to Say and Do

1. Be Open and Honest: 

1. Start by gently sharing your situation. You could say something like: 

“I’d like to talk about something important in my personal life. I’m a Carer and I wanted to explore how we can work together and possibly make a few adjustments to support me in my work. I really value my job and my team, so this is an important conversation for me”  

Remember you are not required to give any personal details about the person you care for, but if you are happy to do so, some basic understanding of this relationship may help people see your situation more clearly.  

2. This sets the tone for a positive, understanding conversation. 

2. Work Together on Solutions: 

1. Think about adjustments that might help, like flexible hours, remote working, or time off for appointments. 

2. Show you’re committed to your job by suggesting ideas that work for both you and your employer. 

3. Ask for Support: 

1. Let your manager know what kind of support would make a difference for you. 

2. This could be understanding your need for flexibility, or helping you access resources that can support Carers. 

It’s OK to Have Concerns

It’s normal to feel worried about how your employer might react. 

• Will They Understand? You might worry about how they’ll see your commitment to work. Reassure them that you want to manage your responsibilities and stay dedicated. 

• What About My Career? It’s natural to feel uncertain about how this could affect opportunities, but starting the conversation shows you’re proactive and thoughtful. This could go a long way towards those opportunities.  

• Feeling Nervous? It is only human, opening up about personal challenges can feel tough, but it’s an important step in getting the understanding and support you deserve. 

Share Helpful Resources

 It might be a new consideration for your employer:  

• Signposting them to us at Forward Carers: Mention we are a trusted organisation that helps Carers understand their rights and offers advice for workplace support. 

• Carers UK: You can also give them links to key government documents and information about workplace rights, published by Carers Uk.  

• Local Services: Highlight resources like the Birmingham and Walsall Carers Hubs, or the local Carers service in your area, which provide practical support and advice for Carers in your area. 

A Gentle Reminder 

Having this conversation is about creating a partnership with your employer. Many workplaces are becoming more aware of the challenges Carers face and are keen to support their employees. 

Remember, you’re doing an incredible job balancing work and caring responsibilities, and there is help available if you need it. 

Student Volunteering Week is a national celebration, led by the Student Volunteering Network, taking place across universities, colleges, and schools. This special week highlights the incredible impact student volunteers make and encourages more young people to get involved.

Why Get Involved in Student Volunteering?

Volunteering as a student is more than just giving back—it’s about personal growth, professional development, and making meaningful connections. Here’s how volunteering can benefit you:

1. Boosts Wellbeing – Volunteering can improve your mental health and happiness. In fact, NCVO’s 2019 Time Well Spent survey found that over three-quarters of volunteers reported improved wellbeing through their involvement.
2. Enhances Employability – Employers value practical experience. Volunteering is a fantastic way to build your CV, develop key skills, and gain insight into different industries.
3. Builds Connections – It’s an opportunity to meet like-minded people, expand your social circle, and form lasting friendships.
4. Provides Career Insights – If you’re unsure about your career path, volunteering allows you to explore different roles and sectors before committing.
5. Develops Confidence & Skills – From communication to leadership, volunteering helps you grow personally and professionally.
6. Creates a Sense of Purpose – Knowing your efforts are making a difference can be incredibly fulfilling.

Volunteering Opportunities with Forward Carers

We are always looking for passionate volunteers to help us support unpaid Carers. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to get involved regularly, we have roles to suit you:

• Administration – We need volunteers who are you great at organising and ensuring everything runs smoothly
• Awareness Raising – We need volunteers to raise the profile of unpaid Carers and signpost them to support
• Community Engagement – Encourage the local community and businesses to become Carer Friendly

Volunteering with Kissing it Better (KiB)

One of our partners, Kissing it Better (KiB), connects young volunteers with older people to help reduce loneliness. University students who have volunteered with KiB say the experience has helped them manage anxiety and feel more connected, particularly during their first year.

If you enjoy singing, creating art, giving relaxing hand massages, or simply sharing stories to brighten someone’s day, volunteering with KiB might be perfect for you. To find out more, contact Kristy at kristy@kibmail.co.uk.

Recognition for Your Contribution

We truly value our volunteers! After six months of volunteering with Forward Carers, you will receive:

✔ A reference to support your future applications

✔ A certificate of appreciation

✔ LinkedIn recommendations to boost your profile

Ready to Make a Difference?

Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back while gaining invaluable experience. Email us at carerfriendly@forwardcarers.org.uk to discuss your interests and find out how you can get involved. We’ll provide full support and training.

Happy New Year!  

In this month’s newsletter we want to share our own Celebratory News and Introduce Accessible Screenings UK.   

Did you know there are a number of different types of screenings in UK cinemas, that are adapted for disabled people to ensure they can enjoy the big screen experience? 

In December Forward Carers Celebrated our 10 year Anniversary! A decade of empowering unpaid Carers and championing Carer Friendly Communities.

Since our establishment in 2014, our mission has been clear – to ensure that Carers are understood, valued, and supported in every aspect of their lives. We hope that whatever way Forward Carers has had input into your life and caring journey that it has been in a positive way.

National Carers: Savings Across the UK 

For all our Carers across the UK, we’re adding new offers for you each month. Here are some of the latest discounts available nationwide: 

Michael Kors– 10% Discount. Affiliated Offer through Discount For Carers.

The Entertainer– 5% Discount valid on full price and sale price items. Affiliated offer through Discount For Carers.

Debenhams- 10% off almost everything for Carers. On both sale & full price. Exclusions apply. An affiliated offer through Discount For Carers.

Here is a sample of the latest exclusive offers available to you this month: 

Dorset Carers: Your Latest Offers & Resources

HELLO FROM DORCHESTER ARTS. IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING THROUGH CREATIVE ACTIVITY.

Alongside our performance programme at Dorchester Arts, we also run a wide range of creative courses and sessions to improve your health and wellbeing. 

Opportunities range from weekly sessions for people living with chronic physical conditions, such as the ever popular Parkinson’s Dance, to short courses supporting people with low-level mental health issues, such as our Art-Life course.

You can also drop into our friendly Sing Together group every month, enjoying songs across the decades; or our weekly drama group Connect – a safe, fun space for improvisation that is accessible to all.

We are excited to announce our brand-new Art for Memory class, for those experiencing the early stages of memory loss, starts in February 2025. 

Don’t forget…

Have any ideas of businesses we can approach or know someone who would like to provide an offer/ discount to Carers? Maybe a cafe or restaurant that is Carer Friendly?  

By registering an offer, they will become a member of the Carer Friendly Community for FREE, joining national businesses and providers who benefit from being Carer Friendly. Free business promotion pack too!  Register here: Register a discount.

Drop us an email and we will contact them to see if they’d like to join our Carer Friendly community. carerfriendly@forwardcarers.org.uk

Stay Updated and In Touch 

We’re always adding new ways to support you, so make sure to keep your ID Card handy and check the Directory for the latest discounts.  

Thank you for all that you do. Together, we’re building #CarerFriendlyCommunities.

Did you know there are a number of different types of screenings in UK cinemas, that are adapted for disabled people to ensure they can enjoy the big screen experience? In this article we provide information on the different types of screenings available and how essential Carers can access free entry.

Types of Accessible Screenings 

Many cinemas offer accessible screenings, but there may be reasons why some cannot do so, immediately upon a film’s release.  Accessible Screenings UK | Inclusive Cinema Experiences is a valuable resource that provides a directory of venues showing Autism Friendly, Dementia Friendly, Audio Described and Subtitled/Open Caption screenings.

An increasing number of films – and many major releases – are supplied to cinemas with ‘access tracks,’ specifically subtitles (on-screen captions) and audio description. However, this is not true for all films, and even when these tracks are available, they may not be supplied until a week or two after the initial release. 

While it may seem that cinemas should be able to simply ‘switch on’ the subtitles or audio description for any film on demand, that is unfortunately not the case. The cinema needs to have the relevant version of the film (with access tracks) and to have had time to check to ensure that the access tracks are working properly. 

Free Entry for Essential Carers

One fantastic benefit is that many cinemas offer free entry for essential Carers. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the cinema experience without additional financial burden. To access this benefit, you can apply for a CEA Card (Cinema Exhibitors’ Association Card), which is widely accepted across UK cinemas. Register here: Home – CEA Card 

For more information about accessible screenings and to check availability at your local cinema, visit Accessible Screenings UK | Inclusive Cinema Experiences  

Enjoy your next trip to the cinema! 🎬🍿 

This year, Forward Carers proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone: a decade of empowering unpaid Carers and championing Carer Friendly Communities. Since our establishment in 2014, our mission has been clear – to ensure that Carers are understood, valued, and supported in every aspect of their lives. We hope that whatever way Forward Carers has had input into your life and caring journey that it has been in a positive way.

A Decade of Dedication

Over the past ten years, Forward Carers has grown into an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise and Community Interest Company. By working alongside a network of trusted partners, we’ve extended our reach to provide tailored support to Carers of all ages across Walsall, Wiltshire, Dorset, Birmingham, and Dudley. Our journey has been defined by collaboration, innovation, and commitment to improving the lives of Carers.

Marking the Moment: Our 10-Year Anniversary Celebration

On 7th December, we marked this significant milestone with a celebratory event at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham. This special evening was a time for reflection and gratitude as we honoured the people and partnerships that have shaped our journey.

Reflecting on a Decade of Achievements

As we celebrate this milestone, we take pride in the progress we’ve made:

• Supporting More Carers: We’ve registered and supported over 41,746 unpaid Carers, providing essential resources and services that cater to their unique needs.
• Investing in Communities: Over the past decade, we’ve channelled £16.5 million into the not-for-profit sector, helping to ensure Carers have access to impactful, locally rooted support.
• Championing Carer Friendly Communities: Through our efforts, over 2,606 businesses have taken steps to become Carer Friendly, whether by offering discounts, undergoing Carer awareness training, or creating supportive workplaces.
• Making a Tangible Impact: Our support has made a real difference. After engaging with Forward Carers, 7 in 10 Carers report feeling more positive about their caring role and experiencing improved physical and mental health.
• Carers Voice Programme: Engaging nearly 1,000 Carers annually, this initiative ensures that Carer feedback informs and shapes our services. Our dedicated Carer Ambassadors play a vital role in amplifying the voices of Carers and ensuring our services remain effective.

Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation

Thank You!

Our success over the past ten years would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners, volunteers, and, most importantly, Carers themselves. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain inspired by the resilience and dedication of unpaid Carers and are determined to ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Registered charity BH Live is actively encouraging more Carers’ in the region to improve their own health and wellbeing by going along to their local leisure centre.

A recent report by Carers UK found that carers face many barriers preventing them from prioritising their health and wellbeing, including lack of time, lack of motivation, lack of funds, and lack of support.  

BCP residents who have a Carer Friendly ID Card or receive Carers Allowance are currently eligible to apply for BH Live Active’s Access scheme. This is a BH Live initiative that offers discounted leisure centre membership to individuals in receipt of certain benefits to make sport and leisure facilities more financially accessible. Nearly 1,000 members are currently supported by the scheme across the BCP region.

More than 33,000 people are estimated to be providing unpaid care across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole**. Only 2,000 people across the region are currently registered for a Carer Friendly ID Carer.  

As a social enterprise one of BH Live’s main social objectives is to encourage more people to participate in physical activity. This includes encouraging individuals to overcome social and financial barriers by offering free community events, a diverse range of health and wellbeing programmes, and concessionary activities. 

BH Live Active, Queen’s Park and Corfe Mullen are operated by BH Live. Sir David English Sports Centre is operated by BH Live in partnership with Bournemouth School Charitable Trust. Littledown Centre, Pelhams and Stokewood are operated by BH Live in partnership with BCP Council. 

Viv Galpin, Health and Wellbeing Manager for BH Live in Bournemouth, said; 

“Thousands of carers are currently undertaking the most amazing care work across the BCP region to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community. They often put their own needs to one side and that includes being regularly active in their local leisure centre.  

“Through our Access scheme and by working with local stakeholders such as Forward Carers, we are working to provide more support to carers so they can improve their health and wellbeing.”  

The Carer Friendly ID Card is a national scheme delivered by Forward Carers and is provided for free to Carers (aged 10+) registered with either the Carer Support Dorset service or BCP Carer Support. Forward Carers is commissioned by BCP and Dorset local authorities and is committed to supporting Carers nationally.  

More information about BH Live Active’s Access Scheme and discounted and concessionary memberships can be found at bhliveactive.org.uk/access-scheme.  

The Carer Friendly ID Card is provided by Forward Carers and is the official Carers ID Card for Dorset. Unpaid Carers that have not yet registered for their Carers ID Card, can find out more information at dorsetcarerscard.org.uk.