Carers Rights Day 2025 – Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights Support 

Carers Rights Day is fast approaching on Thursday 20^th November – a national awareness day dedicated to ensuring unpaid Carers understand their rights, know where to get help, and feel supported in their caring role.  

Across Dorset and Wiltshire, partners are coming together to host a variety of online and in-person events offering advice, information, and wellbeing activities for Carers. 

A full programme of events will be available soon on the Our Dorset website, our own Forward Carers online calendar in Wiltshire, and the Carers Together Wiltshire events – so keep an eye out and get involved!  

Carers Rights Day Online Events  

Remember to book onto these, we would love to see you there.  

The Carers Card and How it Supports your Rights, 18th November 2025 6.30pm-7.15pm.  

Link to Book: Carers ID Card Discovery Session – Carers Rights  

Support For Working Carers-Rights at Work 20th November 7pm-7.45pm.  

Link to Book: Support For Working Carers 

Carer Friendly Day Out To Brownsea Island – A Lovely Opportunity 

This is a wonderful chance to relax, connect with fellow carers, and enjoy the beauty of the island. If you would like to join, please book your place.   

Contact: Telephone: 01202 128787 Email: carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk  

Date: Thursday 23rd October 2025  

Meeting point: Please arrive at Poole Quay to take the ferry to Brownsea Island.  

Ferry times:  

• Departs at 09:45 AM  
• Returns at 14:00 PM  

Brownsea Island offers a peaceful escape into nature, with opportunities to explore the outdoor centre, enjoy scenic walks, and maybe even spot a red squirrel! Facilities include a small reception and toilets.  

What to Bring:  

• Comfortable walking boots  
• Clothing suitable for English weather  
• A packed lunch (or enjoy the National Trust Villano Café)

Did you know?  

Community Action Network Sessions

Community Action Network have devised a session for Carers raising awareness in relationship to Cancer. These sessions are free and can be booked via the links below:

SEPTEMBER 2025 

• Online session, 16^th September, 6.30 – 7.30pm 

• Online session, 25^th September, 1pm – 2pm

• Online session, 30^th  September, 6.30pm – 7.30pm

This month’s newsletter shines a spotlight on Better Housing, Better Health, a free UK-wide advice service helping Carers make their homes warmer, safer, and more affordable. You’ll also find the latest national discounts from well-known brands, alongside local offers and resources for Carers in Dorset and Wiltshire – from community hubs tackling loneliness to practical guides that make navigating care and support easier.

Better Housing, Better Health – Supporting Carers Across the UK

Looking after someone you love can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be tough, especially when housing conditions or high energy costs add extra pressure. Cold, damp, or homes in need of repair, can impact your health and the wellbeing of the person you care for. 

That’s where Better Housing, Better Health (BHBH) can help.

Plan Ahead – Even in the Heat

It might not be on your mind during this hot weather, but winter will be here before you know it. The support from Better Housing, Better Health is available now, so it’s the perfect time to plan ahead. Acting early means your home can be warm, safe, and affordable to run when the cold months arrive. 

What is Better Housing, Better Health?

Better Housing, Better Health is a free, confidential advice service that helps households across the UK make their homes warmer, safer, and healthier. Run by The National Energy Foundation, it offers practical guidance and connects you to grants, funding, and home improvements that can make a real difference. 

Why it Matters for unpaid Carers

If you’re a Carer, you probably spend more time at home than most, and the quality of that home can directly affect your health and your ability to care. 
BHBH can help you: 

Feel more comfortable – Warmer, more energy-efficient homes mean less stress and more peace of mind. 

Save money – Lower energy bills ease financial pressure, freeing up money for other essentials. 

Protect your health – A warm, safe home reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses, slips, and falls. 

Make daily life easier – When a home is well maintained and suitable, caring responsibilities become more manageable.

How Better Housing, Better Health Helps

You can get support with: 

• Free advice on energy efficiency and insulation. 

• Finding grants or funding for home improvements. 

• Repairs or replacements for heating systems. 

• Guidance on reducing damp and mould. 

• Signposting to other local services that can help. 

Take the First Step

Don’t wait until the cold sets in,  find out what help you can access today. 

Funds from every purchase go towards local community work, helping people “waffle more adventurously”  encouraging genuine, enjoyable conversations that strengthen neighbourhoods and reduce isolation. So, why not drop by, enjoy a waffle, and start a conversation? It might just make your day and someone else’s too.

For more information, visit their website or pop into Waffle Lyme to see what’s cooking and look out for Ruth Wright their, Community Co-ordinator.

Carers Trust, recently discovered that 69% of schools reported having no Young Carers at all. That’s despite research showing there are likely two Young Carers in every classroom. This gap highlights a bigger issue: a system that’s failing to support Young Carers as they move through education and into work.

An inquiry is being led by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers, with support from Carers Trust to examine the barriers that they face. This builds on previous APPG findings that Young Adult Carers are 38% less likely to get a university degree than their peers – and less likely to be employed. Other research shows Young Carers are 62% less likely to achieve the equivalent of three A Levels.

MPs are launching a new inquiry into why so many Young Adult Carers are being shut out of higher education, employment, and training. The inquiry will explore what government, colleges, universities, training providers, and employers can do to level the playing field and remove barriers for Young Adult Carers.

The inquiry is being led by APPG chair, Chris Vince MP and APPG Vice-Chair, Alison Bennett MP and three Young Adult Carers. They are being supported by a group of 14 Young Adult Carer youth advisors from across the country.

You can read more about the inquiry in this overview briefing.

Get involved in the inquiry

The Call for Evidence is now open for Carers aged 16 to 30, individuals and organisations.

Current/former Young Adult Carers (up to age of 30) – Deadline Sunday 31st August

Get involved here

Young Adult Carers can also submit evidence through a variety of other methods:

• Written evidence via e-mail to appg@carers.org
• Voice/video notes to appg@carers.org or via WhatsApp to 07598 068 602

Individuals and organisations – Deadline Friday 15th August

Get involved here

Forward Carers is proud to support Young Carers in Dorset where they can apply for a FREE Carers Card. The Carer Friendly ID Card displays a passport style photograph of the Young Carer verifying their caring role. The card can be used in education settings to explain lateness etc and when collecting medication from the pharmacy. If Young Carers live in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, approach BCP Carers Support, or if Young Carers live in the Dorset Council area, approach Carer Support Dorset to ask for the Carer Friendly ID Card.

Carers Week 2025 was a heartfelt celebration across Dorset and Wiltshire, with a shared focus on fairness and recognition for unpaid Carers. 

We teamed up with our Carer Friendly business and community partners to bring you special experiences, free events, and practical support, designed with you in mind.

Throughout the week, Carers told us they felt more connected, better informed, and truly appreciated. Thanks to the support of our amazing partners, we welcomed new faces and strengthened support for those who care every day – often without a break or recognition. 

A big thank you to: 
Blandford Hidden Gardens, 
Pavilion Dance South West, 
Leonardo Carer Support, 
Brownsea Island – National Trust, 
Carers Money Matters, 
and Colten Care, 
who helped bring incredible events to life: 

• Hidden Gardens (Blandford) – A peaceful day out where Carers enjoyed free access with their Carers Card. 
  “How wonderful to access this for FREE with our Carers Card. I hope more events like this sign up to your programme.” 

• Pavilion Dance (Bournemouth) – Carers moved to music and shared lunch, leaving feeling lighter and uplifted. 
  “I cannot tell you how much this made my day. Thank you.” 

• Brownsea Island (National Trust) – Ten Carers joined a relaxing trip, while 31 more visitors learned about Carer support. 
  “Really enjoyable day – the island facilities were great.” 

• Carers Rights at Work (Online) – Over 75 Carers joined two online sessions covering workplace rights and financial support. 
  “This was so helpful. I’ll be following up on Carers Leave.” 

• Adam Practice , Checkers Garden Party, Dorset Museum Events – In-person outreach in Poole, Sailsbury and Dorchester, where Carers got advice, signed up for services, and felt seen. 
  (Adam Practice is one of our Carer Friendly GP practices!)

Across all events, Carers told us they valued the mix of practical advice, emotional support, and well-deserved time out. Many said they hadn’t realised what help was available – and several joined support services on the spot. 

As one Carer told us: 
“Yes, we have your Card – but I didn’t realise we could get this sort of support.” 

We’re proud of the impact made, both in person and online, and we’re already looking forward to building on this to ensure Carers feel supported, valued, and connected all year round. 

Dorset Carers: Your Latest Offers & Resources

Featured offer/service 

Buckland Road Baptist Church

As we mark Carers Week 2025, Forward Carers is celebrating the incredible unpaid Carers who support loved ones every day – and the communities stepping up to support them in return. 

This year’s Carers Week theme, “Putting Carers on the Map,” is a powerful reminder of how vital it is to recognise and support those who care – and that starts with our local communities. Carers are everywhere: they are our neighbours, our colleagues, our friends and our family members. Yet many go unrecognised and unsupported, simply because the people and places around them aren’t aware of the role they play. 

At Forward Carers, we believe that every Carer deserves to be seen, valued and supported – not just by services, but by the community around them. That’s why our Carer Friendly Communities work is so vital. 

🌍 What is a Carer Friendly Community? 

A Carer Friendly Community is one where unpaid Carers are recognised, respected and supported in everyday life – whether they’re visiting a GP, attending school, going to work, or popping into a local shop. 

Through our Carer Friendly Communities programme, Forward Carers works with: 

• Businesses and employers to become Carer Friendly Employers 

• Health and care professionals to spot and support Carers early 

• Community groups and local services to improve accessibility and understanding 

• Schools and colleges to support young and young adult Carers 

By building awareness and making small, meaningful changes, we help local organisations create inclusive environments where Carers feel seen and supported – without having to ask. 

🏆 Recognising Carer Friendly Champions 

Part of our mission is to celebrate and showcase the organisations that are making a real difference to Carers. From GP surgeries with dedicated Carer leads, to high street businesses offering flexible appointments or quiet spaces, we’ve seen incredible examples of inclusive practice in action. 

Our Carer Friendly ID Card Scheme and Carer Aware Training also help professionals to understand what it means to be Carer aware – and how they can help Carers access the right support at the right time. 

If your organisation would like to become more Carer Friendly, we’d love to support you. It’s free, flexible, and could make all the difference to someone who is caring in silence. 

💙 Carers Week: Let’s Put Carers on the Map – Together 

This Carers Week, we’re not just celebrating Carers – we’re calling on everyone in the community to take action. 

Whether you’re a school, shop, faith group, local employer or health provider, you can help create a more inclusive, compassionate community by becoming Carer Friendly. 

Together, we can ensure that Carers feel supported in every space they walk into – not just during Carers Week, but every week of the year. 

🔗 Find out more and get involved in our Carer Friendly Communities initiative at www.forwardcarers.org.uk  

Dementia Action Week, taking place from Monday 20 May to Sunday 26 May 2025, is a national initiative led by the Alzheimer’s Society and supported by organisations, communities, and individuals across the UK.
It is a vital opportunity to raise awareness, improve understanding, and inspire action to support those living with Dementia and the Carers who support them.

🧠 What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday activities.
There are many different types of Dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common.

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing — it is caused by diseases of the brain.
While it is more common in people over 65, younger people can also be affected.

Living with Dementia can be challenging, not just for the individual, but also for the family members and friends who take on caring responsibilities. Raising awareness and promoting understanding helps create a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone affected.

💬 Why Dementia Action Week Matters

Dementia Action Week is about more than just raising awareness — it is about taking action.
By improving knowledge and understanding, we can tackle stigma, encourage early diagnosis, and ensure that those living with Dementia and their Carers have access to the support they need.

Key aims of Dementia Action Week include:

• Raising public understanding of what Dementia is and how it affects individuals and families.
• Encouraging people to seek help early if they are concerned about memory problems.
• Promoting Dementia-friendly communities, where people living with Dementia feel supported, understood, and included.
• Highlighting the vital role of unpaid Carers, who provide incredible support to loved ones living with Dementia.

🌍 How You Can Support Dementia Action Week

Everyone has a part to play in making a difference. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

• Learn more about Dementia: Take some time to understand the different types of Dementia and how they affect people.
• Start conversations: Talk with friends, family, and colleagues about Dementia to help normalise the conversation.
• Challenge misconceptions: Help tackle stigma by sharing accurate information and encouraging understanding.
• Support Carers: Acknowledge and appreciate the incredible work of those caring for someone living with Dementia.
• Promote kindness and patience: Small acts of patience and empathy can make everyday situations easier for someone living with Dementia.

Together, we can create a society that is more inclusive, supportive, and empowering for those living with Dementia and their Carers. Whilst a diagnosis can be life-changing, it does not define a person.
By working together, raising awareness, and taking positive action, we can build communities where everyone affected by Dementia feels valued, understood, and supported.

This week — and every week — let’s take action for a better future for people living with Dementia and those who care for them.

Celebrating Carers Week 2025: Championing Equality for Unpaid Carers

Carers Week 2025, taking place from 9th–15th June, shines a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid Carers. This year’s theme, Caring About Equality, underscores the disparities and challenges Carers face, including financial hardship, social isolation, and limited access to support services.

Understanding the Theme: Caring About Equality 

Unpaid Carers are the backbone of our society, providing essential care to family members, friends, and neighbours. Despite their significant contributions, many Carers experience inequalities that impact their health, finances, and opportunities.

Our Events and Activities for you

Forward Carers are putting on several events over Carers week. Some are available to book now and more will appear in early June.  

Rights at Work 

Support for Working Carers: Your Rights at Work & Financial Wellbeing. Join us for an informative online session exploring Carers leave and your rights in the workplace.  

Learn how the Carer’s Leave Act and other rights can support you as a working Carer. Find out how to approach conversations with your employer about your entitlements. Hear from expert guest speakers, including the Carer Money Matters Project, covering benefits, budgeting help, and local financial support. 

📅 Session Times on Microsoft Teams: 

Lunch & Learn: 1:00–1:45pm (plus 15 min Q&A)  

Evening : 7pm – 7,45pm (plus 15 min Q&A) 

Take a look at what else is happening here:  Calendly 

Events from Our Dorset

Join the Our Dorset community in celebrating Carers Week with a series of events aimed at recognising and supporting Carers across the region.

Hidden Gardens Event Blandford Forum. (In partnership with Forward Carers and Carer Support Dorset) 

Come and explore this fascinating Georgian gem, described as a “Little Bath in bricks”. Visit some very different gardens – Georgian to modern, large to courtyard, including ones not opened before. Refreshments available.

Cost – Free Entry to first 50 Carers and half price thereafter, with Carers ID Card. (usually £7.00) to visit all the gardens, accompanied under 18s free. 

How to get tickets / programmes 

Contact Us | Blandford Town Museum

More Events

Dorset Carers: Your Latest Offers & Resources 

Natural Skin by Lynne- Complimentary Pamper Session (for up to 4 people), and an additional 10% off any products/services purchased. 

At Natural Skin by Lynne, we combine expert skincare with luxurious pampering to support the community, carers, and brides-to-be. As a qualified skin specialist and bridal makeup artist, Lynne is passionate about helping people look and feel their best—whether it’s through tailored skincare treatments or flawless wedding makeup. 

We understand that carers often put others first, leaving little time for self-care. That’s why we offer relaxing facials, rejuvenating pamper sessions, and much-needed me time to refresh and restore. For brides, we create radiant, natural makeup looks that enhance their beauty while ensuring their skin is healthy and glowing for the big day. 

From specialist skincare solutions to bridal transformations, Natural Skin by Lynne is dedicated to making everyone feel confident, cared for, and pampered. Because whether you’re a Carer, part of the community, or a bride-to-be, you deserve some ‘me time’….

Community Action Network

Community Action Network have just started a brand new project called ‘We CAN talk about cancer’, to help paid and unpaid Carers spot signs of cancer in the person they care for. 

Volunteers, who have been trained by Wessex Cancer Support, will meet Carers in person or online and share a 20 minute presentation with them about signs and symptoms of cancer. 

There’ll be time for Questions and Answers and Carers will be given booklets of useful information, including which voluntary and community sector groups can support following a cancer diagnosis. 

 Want to find out more? Please ask! Email hannah.rees@can100.org to arrange a chat’  

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.”