Being a carer can sometimes feel like you are in it alone, but we are here to support you. We have a range of services that can be tailored to fit your needs as a carer including our phone line, regular training opportunities, events, a befriending service and specific support for young carers.
Watch our video on Carer Support Dorset here.
We offer:
- Phoneline
- Here to talk
- Regular newsletters
- Training
- Dorset Carers card
- Events
- Information Hub
- Young carers support
Read more about all the benefits you can access when you sign up with Carer Support Dorset below.
Phoneline
We have a dedicated team of Carer Advisers who can discuss your caring role and the effect it has on you either by phone or through email. They are there to listen to you, and can offer support, advise, information and guidance.
We can also refer you to a number of services, including onto Dorset Council for a Carers Assessment,or other services that other support.
Our phoneline opening times are:
Monday 9.30am-4.30pm
Tuesday 9.30am-7pm
Wednesday 9.30am-4.30pm
Thursday 9.30am-7pm
Friday 9.30am–4pm.
Here to talk
If you are feeling lonely and want someone to talk to, Carer Support Dorset’s Here to Talk befriending service offers regular phonecalls with one of our volunteers on a weekly or fortnightly basis. This provides one-to-one support to help build your mental wellbeing and help reduce your feelings of isolation. These can be arranged at a time that fits around you and your caring responsibilities.
If you are interested in being connected to one of our friendly volunteers, phone us on 0800 368 8349, (Monday–Thursday 9.30am-4.30pm, Friday 9.30am-4pm) or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk
If would like to volunteer as a befriender you can find out more on our volunteering page.
Training
We offer regular, free training on a range of topics specifically for you as a carer. You can see our upcoming training on our what’s on page.
Recent workshops have included: Caring for someone with Dementia, coping with different challenges involved in caring for someone with mental ill health as well Emotional Resilience training which aims to support carers to understand themselves better and find new ways to cope.
We have also had one-off training sessions on scam awareness, sleep tips, arthritis, and caring for someone with hearing loss.
If there is training you think we be of use to you as a carer then we would love to hear from you.
Carer Friendly ID card
The Carer Friendly ID Card is a national scheme delivered by Forward Carers and is provided for free to carers registered with either the Carer Support Dorset service or CRISP (BCP Carers) thanks to BCP Council and Dorset Council who have commissioned the service.
The scheme gives carers access to deals and discounts. Many local and national organisations offer a special offer, discount or deal for Carer Friendly ID Card holders or include cardholders in their existing concession offers. It also provide In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact details.
Information Hub
Our Information Hub is a great starting point for finding information as a carer. It provides information and signposts on topics such as financial support available to carers, helpful tools and services when caring as well as information specifically on certain medical conditions. All the information is in one place with easily accessible links to the most relevant websites and organisations for you.
Young Carers
We offer support for young carers too.
A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who looks after or helps to look after someone. It might be your mum or dad, grandparent, brother or sister or a close relative. This often means doing things like cooking, cleaning, shopping, giving medication or just talking and helping when the person you care about is feeling sad.
If that sounds like you, we can offer specific support and information for you as a young carer on our young carer website.
This includes future planning, school and caring and balancing employment as a young carer.
