We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Family Focus page – your go-to hub for advice, support, and resources to help you navigate your child’s journey from early childhood through the teenage years.

Supporting your child’s wellbeing means being present, informed, and open – whether you're talking about mental health, relationships, online safety, bullying, or substance use. Your guidance, understanding, and support can make a lasting difference in their development and resilience.

Our Family Focus page brings together trusted information on:

• Child development from ages 5 to 18

• School health services, including immunisations, vision checks, and access to the school nursing team

• Early childhood health, with guidance on development, routine health checks, and vaccinations from 12 months to 5 years

Whether you’re looking for answers, support, or simply want to understand more about what your child might be experiencing, our Family Focus page is here to help you every step of the way.

Visit the Family Focus page now to explore everything it has to offer.

A new community support space for unpaid carers is launching in Dorchester on Wednesday 9th July 2025. The Dorchester Carers Nook, hosted at Dorchester Connect Day Centre, invites carers to drop in between 10am–12pm or 2pm–4pm — no booking required.

The launch event will offer refreshments, informal activities, and information stands from local health and care organisations. While there won’t be pre-booked sessions for those being cared for on the day, the event is a chance to meet the team, explore the space, and find out how the Carers Nook can support carers moving forward.

A Space for Connection, Support, and Respite

The Carers Nook is a new initiative designed with carers, for carers, and aims to offer a friendly, practical, and understanding environment. Whether you’re looking for advice, peer support, or simply a chance to take a breather over a cuppa, this new hub provides space to connect, recharge, and access trusted local services.

With support from Mid Dorset Primary Care Network, Age UK, Dorset Council, Carers Support Dorset, and Dorchester Day Centre, the project brings together expertise and compassion to serve local carers in one dedicated place.

Monthly Drop-Ins with Tailored Support

Following the launch, the Carers Nook will run every second Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12pm. Each session will include:

• Carer Café – A relaxed space to meet others and share experiences.

• Activities for the Cared-For Person – Supervised, engaging sessions (booking required).

• Information and Advice Stalls – Access guidance from local charities and health services.

• On-Hand Support – Provided by social prescribers and long-term condition coordinators.

The monthly sessions will each focus on a different theme, helping carers access the right support and information for their circumstances.

To find out more about this service visit: Dorchester Carers Nook - Mid Dorset Primary Care Network

A new dedicated support hub for unpaid carers is set to launch in central Dorchester in summer 2025—thanks to the voices of over 160 local carers who shared their experiences in a recent survey.

The Dorchester Carer’s Nook is being developed by the Mid Dorset Primary Care Network (PCN) in partnership with Dorset Council, Age UK, Carer Support Dorset, and the Dorchester Connect Hub. The aim? To create a welcoming, flexible space for unpaid carers to access support, build connections, and take a well-deserved break.

To ensure the new service meets real needs, a survey was carried out from 24 March to 11 April 2025. The results have been both eye-opening and inspiring.

What We Heard from Carers

• Long-Term Commitment: 50% of carers have been providing support for over five years, often while managing their own health—78% live with at least one long-term condition.

• A Need for Multi-Faceted Support: 64% of respondents selected multiple types of support. Top priorities included:

  • Practical advice and information (34%)

  • Emotional and peer support (21%)

  • Access to community services (19%)

  • Safe activities for the person they care for (21%)

• Barriers to Access: Carers cited scheduling conflicts, worries about leaving their loved ones, and their own health as key challenges. 42% listed personal circumstances—like full-time work and limited free time—as barriers to attending.

• What They Want: Carers expressed strong interest in wellbeing services, financial and benefits advice, virtual and evening options, and better access to clinical services. Social and peer support, including condition-specific groups, were also high on the wish list.

• Attendance Uncertainty: While 28% said they would attend hub sessions, 59% were unsure—highlighting the unpredictable and demanding nature of caring responsibilities.

What’s Next

These findings are already shaping plans for the Carer’s Nook and the hub will be designed around what carers say they need most.

Most importantly, it will be a place where carers are recognised—not just as caregivers, but as individuals who also deserve care, community, and a break.

Read the Full Report

You can explore the full survey findings and insights here:
Click to read the full report

We are hugely grateful to every carer who shared their views. Your voices are making this support hub a reality—thank you.