8.8% of the population in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole provide unpaid care according to the 2021 Census. This equates to around 33,352 people. Carers often do not recognise themselves as carers and therefore may fail to get support.

Early information and support are key to preventing carer break down. Staff working in a primary care setting are in an ideal position to offer this and GP practices are often the first point of contact for carers, making them primary referrers to the BCP Carer Support Service.

GP practices should identify registered carers to provide early support. Referrals to the BCP Carer Support Service and other relevant organisations can protect carers' health and wellbeing, preventing crises for both carers and those they care for.

If you identify a carer in a primary care setting, discuss a referral to the BCP Carer Support Service. This will ensure they find out what information is available to them locally. They will be able to talk to a member of the team and, if needed, can be referred for a Carers Assessment. Referrals can be made via our secure online form.

We offer a range of support and promotion materials, including leaflets and posters. We can also supply carers packs to you.

There is also information, best practices and resources to create  a carer friendly primary care service available on the Carers Information intranet page on SharePoint

Examples include:

If you work for a GP surgery or in a primary care setting and need more information, please get in touch

If there is any other information you think would be helpful to have available to you online, please get in touch and let us know.