15–21 September 2025 marks National Inclusion Week (NIW), a nationwide campaign founded by Inclusive Employers to celebrate inclusion and inspire action in workplaces and communities.

This year’s theme, “Now is the Time”, highlights the urgency of building inclusive cultures that are resilient, sustainable, and meaningful. It’s a call to each of us to take practical steps – however small – that help make inclusion part of everyday life.

At Mid Dorset PCN, we are proud to support National Inclusion Week by launching our own “Inclusion Conversation”. This new initiative will run beyond NIW and create ongoing opportunities for staff and colleagues across our network to reflect on, share, and explore what inclusion means in practice.

As part of our Inclusion Conversation, we will be hosting a series of lunchtime virtual mini-talks over the coming months. These sessions will bring in a range of voices – including some perspectives that are too often seldom heard – to spark new ideas and encourage open reflection.

Our aim is simple: to keep inclusion at the forefront of our culture, and to make sure every member of our team feels they belong, are respected, and can thrive.

National Inclusion Week is not only about awareness, but also about action. By starting these conversations now, we can begin to shape a more inclusive environment across Mid Dorset PCN – for our staff, our patients, and the wider community we serve.

To learn more about the national campaign, visit Inclusive Employers – National Inclusion Week.

Mid Dorset Primary Care Network (PCN) is delighted to announce that we will be attending this year’s On Track Wellbeing Event at The Tank Museum, Bovington, on Thursday 2 October 2025.

On Track is an annual event dedicated to supporting mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on veterans, serving armed forces personnel, emergency services staff, and their families. It brings together a wide range of exhibitors, guest speakers, and workshops to share resources, advice, and practical tools for looking after mental health.

Our team from Mid Dorset PCN will be there throughout the day with a stand in the exhibitor hall. We’ll be available to:

• Talk about the mental health and wellbeing services available through your GP surgery.

• Offer practical tips on resilience, stress management, and accessing support.

• Signpost to local and national organisations that can help.

We’re proud to be part of this inspiring community event, which is all about breaking down barriers around mental health and making support easier to access.

Event details
Date: Thursday 2 October 2025
Venue: The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset
Cost: Free entry for serving personnel, veterans, emergency services staff and their families. Standard admission applies for other visitors.

Whether you are attending for yourself, a loved one, or just want to learn more, we’d love to meet you at On Track. Come along, explore the stands, and take part in the fantastic programme of talks and workshops.

For more information about the event, visit On Track 2025 - The Tank Museum

We’re excited to announce that the PCN Health & Wellbeing Clinic and our Respiratory Clinics are moving to a new home. From 6th October 2025, all appointments will be held at The Old Cereal Factory, Peverell Avenue East, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3WE, moving from our current location at 4 Frederick Treves House, St John Way, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 2FD.

The last appointments at Frederick Treves House will take place on 18th September 2025. Between 19th September and 5th October, there will be no clinics, giving us time to complete the move and ensure everything is ready for patients. Clinics will resume at the new location from 6th October.

The Health & Wellbeing Clinic offers a holistic 40-minute review of your physical, mental, and social health. During your appointment, our team will check your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and BMI, and have a supportive conversation about how you’re feeling mentally and socially. Your results will be shared with your GP, and we can connect you with additional services if needed.

Please note that all respiratory nurse appointments will also take place at the new location from 6th October.

For more information on the Health & Wellbeing clinic visit - Health & Wellbeing Clinic - Mid Dorset Primary Care Network

We look forward to welcoming you to our new home and continuing to provide excellent care for your health and wellbeing.

Mid Dorset Primary Care Network would like to let our community know about some important changes to the monthly Community Hub drop-ins.

Unfortunately, the drop-ins previously held on the 4th Wednesday of every month will no longer be taking place. Due to staffing challenges, it has not been sustainable to continue running these sessions in their current format.

However, support for local residents is still available:

• Weekly Wellbeing Drop-in at Dorchester Library
  Thanks to The Lantern Trust, a new weekly wellbeing drop-in will be available at Dorchester Library every Monday from 10am–1pm, starting 15th September. This will provide a regular space for people to access wellbeing support and advice.

• Dorchester Carers Nook
  For unpaid carers, the Dorchester Carers Nook will continue as usual on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. More information can be found here: Dorchester Carers Nook.

We’d like to thank everyone who has attended and supported the Community Hub drop-ins, and we encourage you to make use of the new and ongoing services available in Dorchester.

Following the successful launch of Dorchester Carers’ Nook in July, we’ve been reflecting on what carers really want from the service. The launch brought together over 60 carers in a joyful atmosphere, with local partners, live music, and a chance to connect over coffee.

Since then, we have gathered carers’ thoughts from our Wish Tree, where attendees could share what they would like from the service. This valuable feedback helps us shape the Nook to better meet carers’ needs. Key themes include:

• Feeling overwhelmed and wanting strategies to cope with caring responsibilities.

• Isolation and a desire for a supportive community.

• Clearer information and signposting about local services, with reassurance that support will be ongoing.

• Interest in a virtual service alongside the hub for those unable to attend.

• Attention to personal health, including annual checks.

• Support for young carers.

• Recognition of the vital role carers play and the need to be heard in clinical settings.

Carers can have their say at any time to shape the service by completing this short feedback form: Give Your Feedback

We’re taking these insights seriously and designing each session to address practical needs, wellbeing, and connection.

Upcoming Sessions

Tuesday, 10th September – Physical Wellness Focus
10am–12pm, Dorchester Connect Day Centre

Carers will have the chance to focus on their own physical wellbeing with support from:

• Carer Support Dorset

• Age UK

• MDPCN Occupational Therapy Team

• LiveWell Dorset

• Community Action Network

This session is designed to give carers practical tools to care for their own health, including exercises, advice, and resources to keep physically well while supporting others.

Activity Sessions

We continue to offer free, supervised activities for the people you care for during each Carers’ Nook. Spaces are limited and must be pre-booked. To reserve a space, call Dorchester Connect Day Centre on 01305 269073.

Your feedback shapes the Nook, and we’re committed to building a service that truly supports carers — helping you feel less alone, more informed, and better able to care for yourself and your loved ones.