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.
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, 10:30 – 12:30
Meet in The Parish Rooms, The Plocks, Blandford Forum DT11 7DW
To find out more contact karen.reeves@dorsetgp.nhs.uk
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 Support Group
Meets every 4th Wednesday of the month, 10.30am-12.30pm. Currently meets at Fathers House, Christy’s Lane, Shaftesbury, SP7 8PH
To find out more about Carer Support Groups in Shaftesbury or Gillingham, email dorsetcarersgroup@rething.org or phone Andrew 07502 299593.
‘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
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.
Carers in Mind based in Poole
Fortnightly meetings, on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month 1pm-3pm, currently online.
To find out more, contact adultwellbeingservices@dorsetmind.uk or you can find out more on the Dorset Mind website.
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.
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
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
