A carer is a person of any age who provides unpaid help and support to a person who could not manage without this help and support. They make an enormous contribution to society and save the economy billions of pounds.
We are excited to share the release of the newly-published: ‘Together with Carers – A Dorset Vision,’ a strategic document supported by the Dorset Integrated Care System. This vision lays out clear objectives for creating a culture where all carers are listened to, valued, and recognised as an integral part of the health and care system. Our goal is for every unpaid carer in Dorset to experience good physical and mental health and to feel well-supported in their role.
Developed collaboratively with carers, for carers, the Vision is a living document that will be regularly reviewed to track progress. We are committed to working together to bring this Vision to life and are proud of the path we are charting. While we acknowledge that there is much work ahead, we remain dedicated to ensuring that Dorset becomes a place where carers of all ages feel appreciated and receive the support they need and deserve.
Be informed. Get involved.
Meet Steve Duckett, Carer and Chair of the Pan Dorset Carers Steering Group
Hi. I’m Steve and I’m a full-time carer for my wife, Sandy, who has been symptomatic for over 20 years and who is now in the later stages of Huntington’s disease.
I had to retire early nearly 9 years ago to look after her. Like many carers, I don’t know when I actually became a carer. It can be a very lonely existence and took me a long time to get to grips with my new, very unfamiliar role and I’m not sure that I have got there yet! Often you’ve got to support the rest of the family too, as I did with our two children. It can all become a bit overwhelming and relentless and you never seem to have the time to care for yourself.
I became involved in the Pan Dorset Carers Steering Group at the end of 2022, and took on the role as chair early 2023. It’s easy just to sit back and complain but I’ve always preferred to try and get involved to help change things for the better. I know that we’re all busy but no one is better placed than we are to know what services will support us as carers and help make a difference. The Pan Dorset Carers Steering Group provides that opportunity to sit at the table with the very people who are commissioning those services that we all find so vital and we are looking for more carers to support us to do this.
Hear what other current carer members have to say:
As a carer involved in the steering group since early 2022, I’ve been able to help create a better understanding of our role and how we can be supported; I feel I’m making a difference to the carer experience and enabling positive change for the future.
Sharing my views within the Pan Dorset Carers Steering Group as a carer ensures that I am listened to. We are able to put forward our issues and concerns irrespective of who we are and what our individual needs are. This group ensures that you are listened to irrespective of your age, disability, background or beliefs. I feel reassured that carers’ voices are listened to and addressed in a positive and constructive manner.
To join the Pan Dorset Carers Steering Group (PDCSG) in my opinion, was an opportunity not to be missed. I cannot say this loud enough. No matter how busy or tired you are as a carer you need to squeeze this commitment into your life. You owe it to yourself and other carers.
This is a platform where I can speak freely and air my thoughts good or bad about the effects of services provided for carers or indeed the lack of them, to professionals who have a remit for carers. Years ago this would never have been possible and I remember those days well. Some things were much better but then, as health and medical practitioners come and go, so do some successful health services, and some, not so good health services. This opportunity allows my voice and other carers’ voices to be heard.
If you are a carer and would like some support, your local carer support organisation is here for you:
Are you caring for someone in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole Council area?
Please contact BCP Carer Support: carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk, call 01202 128787, or visit www.bcpcarersupport.org
Are you caring for someone in the Dorset Council area?
Please contact Carer Support Dorset: admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk, call 0800 368 8349, or visit www.carersupportdorset.co.uk
