We offer a range of support services to help carers, most of which are free.

There are also a number of local support groups who you can contact directly. There are also a number of support groups aimed at parent carers. Since restarting, some groups may be running differently, so it is worthwhile contacting organisations before turning up.

Kissing it Better is a charity that works to reduce isolation and loneliness by bringing generations together to share and learn from each other. They have developed a calendar to promote the variety of events happening each month.

Support from our dedicated Carers Support Service. Call us on 01202 128 787 if you need support.

The Carers Information Service supports family/unpaid carers looking after someone who would not be able to manage without their support. Join the Carers Information Service to keep up to date with all the local events, training courses and more.

The Carer Friendly ID Card is provided by Forward Carers and is available for free to unpaid carers who register with our free carers information service. The card is also available for existing registered carers who need to renew an expired carers card.

The card can be used as a simple way of proving you are a carer when you are out and about, to provide In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact details and to access deals and discounts from on services or goods at businesses displaying the carers card symbol.

Your GP practice will be able to help you to look after your health better if they know you are caring. A confidential note can be placed on your records that will help your doctor look after your health.

They can also try to support you with convenient appointments that fit in with caring and offer you a free annual flu vaccination.

You can let you GP surgery know you are a carer by downloading this helpful form. Complete the form and hand it to a member of staff at the surgery (such as a receptionist). Your GP surgery will also have a ‘Carers Lead’ who will happy to support you.

PramaLIFE have volunteers looking for carers to befriend. This could be through a regular phone call, e-mail, or meet up, if possible. It is whatever suits you. Someone to share interests or memories with, or to help and support you find something in the community that you could join. The volunteers are of all ages, looking to team up with carers of all ages.

If you are interested in finding out more, contact PramaLIFE on 01202 207 300 or view their leaflet.

Free assistive technology for 'peace of mind' at home.

Young carers are children and young people who often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.

Swan Advocacy help carers secure their rights, represent their views, and obtain services they need.

As part of learning disability awareness week 2024, Dorset County Hospital launched a virtual tour series ‘coming into hospital’ for people with a learning disability.

The virtual tours, co-produced with people with a learning disability, can help to reduce anxiety and help people prepare for any hospital visit to make their experience a little better.

The Carer Support Service is a free service for carers when they, or the person they look after are in Poole Hospital (University Hospitals Dorset). Carers can self-refer to the service by contacting the Carers Support Advisor directly or by asking a member of staff for a carer referral. The service is confidential and offers one to one support.

Telephone: 0300 019 8714 (answerphone outside working hours)

Email: carersupport@uhd.nhs.uk

Ask: a member of staff for a carer referral

If you are caring for someone who has returned from hospital and needs ongoing care or support with day-to-day life, you may find the information on the GOV.UK website helpful.

In conjunction with a group of older male carers, Bournemouth University Public Involvement in Education and Research group and Healthwatch Dorset, we have produced the 'Older male carers - A guide for older male carers written by older male carers' booklet.

Help and Care’s Dementia Coordinator Service provides post-diagnostic support for people with a diagnosis of dementia, their families and carers. This includes dedicated Early Onset Dementia support and more general information on dementia with signposting to local agencies.

Steps 2 Wellbeing is a free, confidential NHS service for anyone aged 18+ who is registered at a GP surgery in Dorset (including Bournemouth and Poole) and in Southampton. They offer a range of different types of treatment for people experiencing problems with low mood/depression, anxiety or stress. Some of the problems they can help with include:

They provide support either over the telephone, face-to-face, in groups or via the internet. The use of language or British Sign Language interpreters can be arranged if required. You can self-refer to their service, or get your GP or another healthcare professional to refer you.

The Handyvan Service provides practical and useful help to those living in their own homes to maintain their independence. From general household tasks to small repair jobs. All staff are police checked.

You only need to supply or pay for the cost of any materials used, and the labour charge is free. Repair jobs need to be completed within 2 hours to qualify. Repairs can include replacing light bulbs & fuses, repairing or installing grab rails, hanging curtains, tracks or rails, moving small items of furniture, repairs or clearing to pathways and much more.

The service can be provided to those living in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, who are aged 60 or who have a disability or long term health condition, and who are receipt in certain benefits.

The BCP Council webite provides information and advice about social care and support services for adults in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. It is a great place to find help, get advice and plan future care for yourself or a loved one.

The service provider directory provides a wide range of solutions to help you or a loved one live safe and independently at home.

Safer BCP is your community safety partnership for the local area bringing public bodies, communities, voluntary and private sector partners together to transform the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole region into a safer and healthier place where communities and businesses thrive. The commitment is to foster a welcoming atmosphere for all, enhancing public safety, diminishing criminal activities, antisocial behaviour, and drug abuse, while also guiding offenders towards a path that deters future crimes.

Membership includes representatives from BCP Council, Dorset Police – BCP Local Policing Area, National Probation Service, Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services, Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and Community and Voluntary sector agencies.