We’re excited to celebrate Carers Week once again this week (9th to the 15th)! This year’s theme, ‘Caring About Equality’, shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of unpaid carers – and the need to make sure you get the recognition and support you truly deserve.
As carers, you already know how essential you are. Whether you’re supporting loved ones, neighbours, or friends, you play a vital role in society every single day.
All too often, your dedication comes with tough challenges – like social isolation, mental and physical health struggles, or missed opportunities in work, education, and life.
Carers Week is our chance to celebrate carers everywhere, highlighting the barriers faced, and championing a future where you’re properly supported and valued.
In order to celebrate Carers Week 2025 we’re attending some exciting events that have been lined up just for you! From relaxing activities to informative workshops, to online Q&As – the events in Dorset this Carers Week have been designed to give you a well-earned break and support you in your caring role.
Below, we’ve highlighted the events where you’ll find a friendly face from the Carer Support Dorset team – whether we’re hosting or simply attending, we’re looking forward to meeting you. Come and say hello!
- Blandford’s Hidden Gardens – Blandford Forum
Carer Support Dorset and Forward Carers will be hosting an information stand at this beautiful event celebrating hidden gardens in Blandford. Carers are warmly invited to enjoy the gardens and access support from the team.- Date: Sunday 8th June
- Time: 11am – 5pm
- Tickets: 50 free places for carers with a Forward Carers ID card; additional tickets at 50% discount. Under-18s go free.
- Location: Beres Yard, Blandford Forum, DT11 7HQ
Contact Blandford Town Museum: 01258 450388 or contact@blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk
- Virtual Workshop – Take Action: Caring for Yourself, While Caring for Others
Join Carer Support Dorset and LiveWell Dorset for this thoughtful session exploring topics like identity, changing relationships, boundaries, and self-care. Ideal for carers needing a space to reflect and refocus.- Date: Monday 9th June
- Time: 10.30am – 12.00pm
- Location: Online
To book call 0800 368 8349 or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk. Make sure you bring a notepad!
- Wareham Carer Café – Wareham
Pop by The Bear in Wareham for a welcoming carer café! Enjoy a cuppa, sweet treats, and chats with fellow carers and Carer Support Dorset advisers. We’ll also have some special goodie bags available to celebrate and thank you for all that you do.- Date: Tuesday 10th June
- Time: 10am – 12pm
- Location: The Bear, 14 South Street, Wareham, BH20 4LT
With extra information stalls and organised by Purbeck Primary Care Network, there’s no need to book – just drop in!
- Carers Event – Swanage
Dorset Council and Purbeck PCN invite you to a friendly drop-in event for carers. Come along for advice, resources, and support from Carer Support Dorset and Bridgit Care.- Date: Tuesday 10th June
- Time: 9.30am – 12pm
- Location: The Focus Centre, 107 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2NB
No booking is required for this event.
- Caring for the Carers: A Wellbeing & Information Event – Dorchester
Come along to our relaxed, drop-in event celebrating Dorset’s unpaid carers. Explore a wide range of support available to you – from health and wellbeing to social care and financial advice. We’ll have plenty of stallholders from local services, all ready to chat, share information, and help you feel more connected and supported.- Date: Tuesday 10th June
- Time: 1pm-4pm
- Location: Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, 66 High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA
Free tea, coffee, sweet treats, and goodie bags available! There’s no need to book, but if you would like more information ring 0800 368 8349, or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk.
- Virtual Workshop – Support for Working Carers: Your Rights at Work & Financial Wellbeing (Afternoon Session)
Join Forward Carers for an informative online session aimed at working carers, exploring Carers leave and your rights in the workplace.- Date: Wednesday 11th June
- Time: 1pm-2pm
- Location: Online
What to Expect:
- 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 (delivered by Carer Support Dorset), covering benefits, budgeting help, and local financial support.
Book online or email: carerfriendly@forwardcarers.org.uk
- Virtual Workshop – Support for Working Carers: Your Rights at Work & Financial Wellbeing (Evening Session)
Join Forward Carers for an informative online session aimed at working carers, exploring Carers leave and your rights in the workplace.- Date: Wednesday 11th June
- Time: 7pm-8pm
- Location: Online
What to Expect:
- 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 (delivered by Carer Support Dorset), covering benefits, budgeting help, and local financial support.
Book online or email: carerfriendly@forwardcarers.org.uk.
- Carers Information Event – Poole
Hosted by The Adams Practice, this event connects carers to local support services including Carer Support Dorset.- Date: Wednesday 11th June
- Time: 1.30pm-4.30pm
- Location: The Liberal Club, 243 Blandford Road, Hamworthy, Poole, BH15 4AZ
No booking needed – just drop in!
- Bridport Carer Café – Bridport
Join us for refreshments, conversation, and support at this friendly, social drop-in. Goodie bags will be available to celebrate all that you do.- Date: Thursday 12th June
- Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
- Location: The Bull Hotel, 34 East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LF
No reservation needed.
- Carers Event – Swanage
Hosted by Purbeck Primary Care Network, this relaxed drop-in is a great opportunity to connect with others and explore local wellbeing support.- Date: Thursday 12th June
- Time: 10am-12pm
- Location: The Focus Centre, Swanage, BH19 2NB
Just drop in.
- Men’s Health Fair – Sherborne
Organised by Sherborne Area Primary Care Network — open to all carers, especially male carers. With stalls on prostate health, nutrition, mental health, and more.
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- Date: Thursday 12th June
- Time: 2pm-6pm
- Location: Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, DT9 3AA
No reservation needed.
- FREE Young Carer Family Activity – A Trip to Monkey World
Carer Support Dorset is offering free Monkey World tickets for young carers and their families. Flexible Date
Please note that there is a maximum of 4 tickets per family. If oversubscribed, names will be drawn. To book please call 0800 368 8349, or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk.
PLEASE NOTE BOOKING IS REQUIRED!
- Young Adult Carer Q&A – Virtual
Aged 14-25? Learn about your rights in education, employment, and caring. Delivered by Carer Support Dorset and a Dorset Council Young Carer Family Worker.- Date: Thursday 12th June
- Time: 7pm-8pm
- Location: Online
Workshop highlights include:
- Know your rights as a young adult carer in education and employment
- Understand your right to decide how much care you provide
- Build your confidence to help you do what’s right for you.
Phone 0800 368 8349, or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk to get the link.
- Weymouth Carer Support Group – Weymouth
Peer support group hosted at the Gardeners Restaurant with guest speakers from Carer Support Dorset and Weymouth and Portland Community Mental Health Team. Join us for refreshments and conversation at this social drop-in. We’ll also have some special Goodie Bags available to celebrate and thank you for all that you do.- Date: Friday 13th June
- Time: 10.30am-12pm
- Location: Lynch Lane Garden Centre, Weymouth, DT4 7QU
No need to book – just drop in!
- Carer’s Celebration – Gillingham
Join Gillingham Medical Practice for a celebration of carers. Carer Support Dorset will be hosting an information stand and refreshments will be available. There will also be special Goodie Bags available to celebrate and thank you for all that you do.- Date: Friday 13th June
- Time: 12pm-2pm
- Location: School Rd, Gillingham, SP8 4QR
No need to book – just drop in!
- Community Drop-in & Carer Celebration – Wimborne
Hosted by Access Wellbeing and Carer Support Dorset. Pop in any time for support, information, and a warm welcome.- Date: Friday 13th June
- Time: 10am-4pm
- Location: Wimborne Community Centre, King Street, Wimborne, BH21 1EB
No need to book – just drop in!
- Carers Week Day Trip – Brownsea Island
Join us for a special Carers Week outing to the stunning National Trust site, Brownsea Island – a tranquil retreat rich with wildlife, woodland walks, and breathtaking coastal views. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to take a well-deserved break in nature.- Date: Saturday 14th June
- Time: 9.45am-2.30pm
- Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, BH13 7EE
This free trip includes:
- Complimentary ferry crossing from Poole Harbour
- Free entry to Brownsea Island
- A relaxing day to unwind, explore, and connect with others
- Pop up information stands from Forward Carers and Carer Support Dorset
Meet at Poole Harbour at 9.45am, and the return ferry will be at 2.30pm. Spaces are limited (max. 2 per booking) so this event will be first come, first served.
To book please call 0800 368 8349 or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk.
A Final Note from CSD – Share Your Caring Story!
As part of their Carers Week communications campaign, Dorset Council is inviting carers to share photographs that reflect their caring journey.
This could be a photo of someone actively providing care, or a meaningful moment that captures the relationship. Faces don’t need to be visible if you’d prefer. To ensure consent, anyone featured in a submitted image will need to complete a short form. Photos may be used across Dorset Council’s social media and public communications – including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Would you like to take part? Let us know and we’ll send you all the details, including the consent form, and happily submit everything on your behalf!
On behalf of all of us at Carer Support Dorset, we wish you a very positive Carers Week 2025!
