Together with Carers - A Dorset Vision
There are 11 million unpaid carers in the UK. Carers in England and Wales contribute £445 million to the economy every day. Are you one of those carers? Many people do not recognise themselves as carers but if you help a relative, neighbour or friend then you are likely one.
In Dorset, we estimate there are nearly 69,000 carers, yet only about 14,000 are known to carers’ support services. Being a carer can be rewarding, however we know it can also be incredibly challenging—emotionally, physically, and financially—and many carers experience feelings of loneliness and isolation.
That’s why carers in Dorset have collaborated with service providers to address these issues and try to make each day the best it possibly can be for carers. We are excited to announce the launch of our new vision for Dorset: 'Together with Carers – A Dorset Vision,’ a strategic document supported by the Dorset Integrated Care System.
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. Our goal is for every unpaid carer in Dorset to experience good physical and mental health and to feel well-supported in their role.
Developed collaboratively with carers, for carers, the Vision is a living document that will be regularly reviewed to track progress. We are committed to working together to bring this Vision to life and are proud of the path we are charting. While we acknowledge that there is much work ahead, we remain dedicated to ensuring that Dorset becomes a place where carers of all ages feel appreciated and receive the support they need and deserve.
We want to:
- ensure all carers are valued, visible, and heard
- provide all carers with choice and opportunities to take breaks from their caring role, as well as access to support in a crisis
- understand carers’ personal needs and situations and treat everyone fairly
- support all carers to have a meaningful and fulfilling life, alongside and after caring
- provide information, advice, guidance, and practical resources to enable carers to carry out their caring role
- ensure carers’ own physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing are supported
- be honest, consistent and work together to manage expectations.
You may be thinking, how can I get involved?
We encourage you to:
- read the Vision and its objectives to be informed
- think about what you would like to change for you
- reach out to services to get support
- be recognised as a carer and
- help us to spread the good news
If you are an unpaid carer and wish to contribute to this transformative vision, please reach out to us through dhc.carersdorset@nhs.net or Pan Dorset Carers Steering Group – Our Dorset. Together, we can make a difference.
Your local carer support organisation is here for you.
If you are caring for someone in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, contact BCP Carer Support: 01202 128787; carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk; www.bcpcarersupport.org
If you are caring for someone in the Dorset Council area contact Carer Support Dorset: 0800 368 8349; admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk; www.carersupportdorset.co.uk