There’s a lot that’s good about Dorset’s public services, and many people say they’re some of the best in the country. At the same time, we know we can do better. We want to listen and involve local people more in our planning, and in the way we deliver services.

It’s not just about public services. There are loads of factors that can positively influence our day to day lives – family, friends, work, community activities, finances, our homes, the local  environment… it’s a big list.

Our role is not only to provide services, but to practically support those other things that keep people happy and well on a day-to-day basis. People and communities are more than able to help themselves, and we want to support those efforts, not get in the way of them.

We’re holding 100 conversations with local people in Dorset. Over 40 people from across Our Dorset have had specialist training in how to have these conversations so we can really hear what people have to say. Over the next few months they’ll be meeting with people from all walks of life to to find out what it means to people to live their best life.

We’ll be posting regular updates here, so watch this space!