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.

April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial period dedicated to increasing public understanding of bowel cancer and emphasising the significance of early detection through regular screening. Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer, affecting thousands of individuals annually. Early diagnosis significantly enhances treatment outcomes, making awareness and proactive health measures vital.

Understanding Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer develops in the large intestine, encompassing both colon and rectal cancers. Common symptoms include persistent changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Notably, these symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for less severe conditions, leading to delayed diagnoses. Alarmingly, there has been a noticeable increase in bowel cancer cases among individuals under 45, often attributed to factors like diet, lack of exercise, and environmental pollutants.

Read more about bowel cancer here - Bowel cancer - NHS

The Importance of Screening

Regular screening is a powerful tool in detecting bowel cancer at an early, more treatable stage. In England, the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme offers screening every two years to men and women aged 60 to 74. However, following advocacy efforts, including those by the late Dame Deborah James, the screening age has been lowered to 50, allowing more individuals to benefit from early detection.

The screening involves a simple at-home test that checks for hidden blood in the stool, a potential indicator of cancer. Completing and returning this test promptly can lead to early diagnosis and significantly improve survival rates.

Read more about the screening process here - Bowel cancer screening - NHS 

Taking Action

Individuals aged 50 and above, or those with a family history of bowel cancer, are strongly encouraged to participate in regular screenings. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in fiber, regular physical activity, and avoiding processed meats, can also reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer. Being attentive to bodily changes and seeking medical advice when symptoms arise are proactive steps toward early detection and successful treatment.

This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, let us commit to spreading awareness, supporting those affected, and taking preventive measures to combat this disease effectively.

Why Your Cervical Screening Experience Matters – Have Your Say!

Cervical screening is one of the most important health checks for women and people with a cervix. It’s a simple test that could save your life—yet many people delay or avoid it due to uncertainty, myths, or concerns.

Have you had a cervical smear test? If so, we want to hear from you! Your experience can help us improve understanding, dispel fears, and reassure others about what to expect.

Why Your Feedback Matters

Despite its importance, cervical screening attendance rates remain lower than they should be. Many people feel nervous, unsure, or even put off by misinformation. By sharing your experience—whether positive or not—you can help others feel more confident, informed, and prepared for their own screening.

We want to: Encourage more people to attend by making the process feel less daunting. Provide accurate information to counter common myths. Put minds at ease by sharing real stories from real people.

Share Your Thoughts

We’ve created a quick and anonymous survey to gather experiences from those who have had a cervical screening. Whether your experience was good, bad, or somewhere in between, your feedback is invaluable in helping others understand why screening is so important.

Fill in the survey here: https://forms.office.com/e/ixXfgFR2sz

The Importance of Cervical Screening

Cervical screening isn’t a test for cancer—it’s a test to help prevent cancer by detecting early changes in cervical cells. When caught early, these changes can be monitored or treated before they become serious. That’s why attending your appointment is so crucial.

If you’ve been putting off your cervical smear, know that you’re not alone. Many people feel anxious beforehand, but the test itself is quick, straightforward, and carried out by professionals who want to make you as comfortable as possible.

Help Us Spread Awareness

By taking a few minutes to complete our survey, you’re playing a part in improving education and awareness around cervical screening. You never know—your words might just encourage someone to book their appointment and protect their health.

Thank you for being part of this important conversation!

In today’s digital world, technology plays a significant role in how we access healthcare services. From booking appointments online to ordering prescriptions and using health apps, digital tools offer convenience and efficiency. However, not everyone feels comfortable using these services, and we want to change that.

Why Understanding Digital Skills Matters

We want to ensure that every patient, regardless of their familiarity with technology, can access healthcare services with ease. By learning more about your comfort level with digital tools, we can tailor our support and resources to meet your needs. Whether you are confident with technology, need a little help, or do not use it at all, we want to hear from you!

How This Benefits You

By improving digital accessibility, we can help make healthcare services more efficient and user-friendly. Here’s how:

• Faster Appointment Booking – Skip the phone queues and book your GP appointments online with ease.

• Easy Access to Test Results – View your test results securely without waiting for a call or letter.

• More Control Over Your Health – Manage prescriptions, track symptoms, and access medical advice at your convenience.

What If You Struggle with Technology?

No worries! We’re here to support you. Understanding your digital skills allows us to provide training and resources to help you stay connected to your healthcare team. Whether it’s one-on-one guidance, workshops, or printed materials, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone can access the care they need—digitally or otherwise.

Have Your Say!

We want to hear from you. Speak to your GP practice or fill in our quick form to let us know how we can help improve your digital healthcare experience. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of accessible and inclusive healthcare services for all.

Digital Literacy - Mid Dorset Primary Care Network

Together, we can make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly for everyone!

Are you at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes? The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) is here to help you take control of your health and make positive lifestyle changes. By joining the programme, you can reduce your risk and improve your overall wellbeing.

Many people are unaware they are at risk of Type 2 diabetes. Debby, a recent participant, was shocked to learn she was prediabetic despite believing she led a healthy lifestyle. With the support and guidance of the NDPP, she gained valuable knowledge, made small but meaningful changes, and successfully transformed her health.

Debby’s results speak for themselves. She lowered her blood glucose level from 46 mmol/mol to 38 mmol/mol, reduced her cholesterol levels, and lost over a stone in weight. Beyond these physical achievements, she now feels more in control of her overall health and wellbeing.

Her words highlight the benefits of the NDPP:

“I would definitely recommend the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme as a way to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and also improve your overall wellbeing.”

If you have been told you are at risk of Type 2 diabetes, the NDPP can support you in making healthier choices. Through expert advice, tailored guidance, and ongoing support, you can take steps to prevent diabetes and improve your long-term health.

Don’t wait—take charge of your health today. Find out more about how the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme can help you by visiting NHS England » NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) and start your journey towards a healthier future.