You are not alone as a carer, support is available. You may be looking for different groups that can support you and give the you the chance to talk to other carers who understand your situation. There are many carer support groups across Dorset both online and face-to-face.
Below is a list of regular carer groups. Please note, groups are subject to change and its best to check with the coordinator on up-to-date times and dates. If you have a group you wish to add, email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk.
If you want further help understanding the support available to you or to talk through your options give us a call on 0800 368 8349 to talk to one of our friendly carer advisers.
You can also see our upcoming training, groups and events on our what’s on page.
Age UK run a number of events and activities suitable for older carers and/or those who are receiving care. View what they offer here.
Rethink Mental Illness run many carer groups in Dorset, including walks and talks and young carer support. View them all in one place here.
Harlequin Care – Harlequin provides support for Carers, free of charge, through the provision of complimentary treatments and befriending. New Carers can register by calling 07547 136041, then you will be eligible to attend our Carers’ relaxation days. Find out more here.
North Dorset
Carers art club
Meets at Cross Keys, Sherborne at 10am-12noon every other Wednesday
To find out more call Mark on 07989306322
Blandford carer support group
1st Thursday of each month starting 1st June 2023, 10:00 – 12:00
Meet at Blandford Rugby Football Club, 53 East Street, Blandford Forum DT11 7DX
To find out more contact karen.reeves@dorsetgp.nhs.uk
Blandford Group Practice Wellness Walk-in Clinic
Last Tuesday of each month, 10:00 – 12.00
Meet at various venues around Blandford.
For more information please contact the Blandford Group Practice directly
Blandford Rethink carer support group
Meet regularly in Blandford, contact Olivia Steven on 07436 790489 for more details.
Carers cuppa and catch-up on the north Dorset/Wiltshire border
Meets every other Friday, 2pm-3pm, currently online.
To find out more, contact: lynne.white@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, gemma.collins@dorsetgp.nhs.uk or debbie.martin@dorsetgp.nhs.uk.
Gillingham carers peer support
This Rethink group relaunched in November 2023 and is looking for new members. The group meets every second Wednesday of the month at 10.00am at Gillingham Community Church, Wessex House, 8 High Street, Gillingham, SP8 4AG. For more details email ndorsetcarersgroup@rethink.org
Shaftesbury carers peer support
This Rethink group meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month at Fathers House, Christy’s Lane, Shaftesbury, SP7 8PH. For more details email ndorsetcarersgroup@rethink.org
‘My Time’ carer support group
Based in Shielings, The Avenue, Sherborne and meet the first Thursday of every month 2-3.30pm.
Call 01935 816321 to find out more.
East Dorset
Wimborne & The Purbecks carer group
This group meets once a month at different venues in Wimborne and The Purbecks. For more information please contact: pam.pillow@rethink.org
Carers Sing Together
An afternoon of singing favourite songs at The Leonardo Trust 1.30pm-2.45pm
2022 dates are 7 March, 4 April, 9 May and 6 June.
Contact Caroline Pugh by email creatingmusicalparticipation@gmail.com or phone 07984 828642 to book.
Carers café – Alderholt
Meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month, 10.30am – 12.30pm, at Alderholt Chapel.
Call 01425 655155 to join.
Parent carer coffee morning
Meet at St Mary’s Church, Ferndown on the 2nd Friday of each Month, 10am-12noon
Parent carer coffee morning
Meet at Verwood Youth and Community Centre, last Friday of each Month, 10am-12noon
Carer support group
Meet at Corfe Mullen Library on 2nd Friday of the month.
Contact Peter Jones on 07856 579750 to find out more.
Ferndown carers group
Meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 10.30am at Barchester Kings Park Care Home, Ferndown.
To find out more, email carol.davies@pramacare.co.uk.
Stress Busters carers group (Ferndown)
An informal drop-in session for carers who are supporting someone with Alzheimer’s, Dementia or Parkinson’s.
Last Tuesday of the month 2pm – 3:30pm @ Beacon Café at St Mary’s Church ().
Contact: Janet Capp – 01202 875495 – bjcapp@btinternet.com or Kath Money – 01202 892518 – km.m@btinternet.com
Carers group in Wimborne
Meets 3rd Friday of the month from 10.30am-12noon at St John’s Church, Wimborne.
To find out more, email carol.davies@pramacare.co.uk.
Oakley Friends
Group of Carers and ex Carers of Dementia patients based in East Dorset. Meets on the last Wednesday of each month at The Canford Magna Centre.
Contact Judy Barnes on 01202 021705 or Ann Nicoll 01202 690554 to find out more.
Upton carers group
Meets on every 4th Wednesday of the Month at St Dunstan’s Church Lounge, Poole.
To find out more, phone 01202 207310 or 07867 354578 or email Bridget.barrett@prama.uk.
All Things Bright and Beautiful afternoon service
Afternoon service followed by tea and cake. All welcome but particularly suitable for those living with dementia or any kind of special need. Tuesdays 2.30-3.30pm at St Mary’s Parish Church, Church Hill, Swanage, BH19 1HU. For further details contact: Bridget on 01929 426188 or Revd Ian Bird, Team Rector on 01929 422916.
South Dorset
Carer and client social
A space for clients and carers to meet once a month. Access to a pool table, darts and a skittle alley, as well as access for an informal drop-in service to chat with a professional from Rethink or the START mental health team.
First Wednesday of the month at the Victoria Hotel, Dorchester at 3pm
Weymouth and Portland carer group
Meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month, 11am-12noon, currently online.
To find out more, contact kay.linehan-cross@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Weymouth carers group
Meets 3rd Tuesday of month 11am–1pm at Bethany Hall, Weymouth.
To find out more, 07766 529297
Weymouth carers peer support
A long-established and thriving registered group run by Rethink which meets every Friday at 10.30am-12.30pm at Lynch Lane Garden Centre, Lynch Lane, Weymouth, DT4 9DN. If you would like to know more please email: weymouthcarersgroup@rethink.org
Portland carers group
Meet the last Monday of each month (excluding bank holidays) 10.30am– 12.30pm at Weston Room at Easton Methodist Church, Portland.
To find out more contact, Jo Pearce on 01305 826479.
Parkinson’s carers group – Weymouth
Once a month, Weymouth Conservative Club, second Friday in the month, 10.30am-11.30am.
To find out more contact Jane Dare 01305 815173
Carers Time – Corfe Castle carers group
Last Monday of each month, 10am – 12pm
Corfe Castle Village Hall, 67 East St, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EE
Wyke Regis and Portland carers group
A group for carers in the Wyke Regis and Portland area which meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 10.30am-midday at Billy Winters, Portland Road, DT4 9JZ.
West Dorset
Dorchester Connect carer’s meetings
Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month: between 10.30am – 12.30pm in the Garden Room at Dorchester Connect, Acland Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1SH.
Call 01305 269073 to book your place.
Sing Together
Not specifically for carers but carers fee is waivered and you can attend for free. Every Monday 10.30am – 11.30am at Dorchester Town Hall.
Run by Dorchester Arts, phone 01305 266926 or email engage@dorchesterarts.org.uk
West Dorset carers support group
Meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month, 11am-12noon, currently online.
To find out more, contact Sheila Biddlecombe on 01305 251414. You can also find out more on the Lyme Regis Carers Cafe website.
Bridport carers coffee morning
Informal coffee morning to chat with other carers, feel free to drop-in for as long as you’d like to.
2nd Thursday of each month, 10:30am at Coffee#1, 35 East St, Bridport DT6 3JX
Rethink carer groups in Bridport and Dorchester
The Bridport group meets on the first Thursday of every month between 3.30-5.00pm at The Chapel in the Garden (enter via Rax Lane), DT6 3JL.
The Dorchester group meets every Thursday at 10.30am-12.30pm at the snug in the Vivo Lounge (opposite the market), 23 Weymouth Avenue, DT1 1QR.
For more information about both of these groups please contact olivia.stevens@rethink.org
Rethink walks and talks
Rethink organises walks and talks throughout the year in Thornecombe Woods. This provides an opportunity for carers to meet, get some physical exercise among nature’s beautiful woodlands and improve wellbeing. For some walks and talks a forest bathing guide is provided. For more information, contact ren.griffiths@rethink.org
Age UK Bridport Forget-Me-Not dementia support group
*Opening Thursday 14 March 2024*
Drop in every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month between 1.30-3pm for activities, guest speakers, games and a warm welcome. £2.50 per person. Bridport Youth and Community Centre, Gundry Lane, Bridport DT6 3RL
Drop-off point available and there is public parking available locally.
Online
Embracing Age online group
Are you interested in joining other Christian carers for prayer and companionship? Embracing Age (a Christian charity) is hosting weekly online Zoom groups just for unpaid carers! These sessions will include time to chat, share experiences, and enjoy a short reflection featuring a poem or song, followed by prayer for one another. If you’re curious and would like to know more, visit their website, reach out via email at carers@embracingage.org.uk, or give them a call on 07964 895477.
