Our Dorset

Dementia Friends Awareness Session
2025-11-20 14:30 - 16:00 (Europe/London)
Organisation: Wimborne Dementia Friendly Community
WDFC are holding a Dementia Friends Awareness Session, delivered by Sue Warr from Prama. Open to all and is one in a 3 part series this Autumn/Winter.
When: 20th November 2025
Where: Lesley Shand Funeral Service, Orchard Room, 184 Wareham Road, Corfe Mullen, BH21 3LL
To secure your place contact Trish at trishhitchins@aol.com

Online Zoom event: Your Rights at Work (Forward Carers)
2025-11-20 19:00 - 19:45
Support for Working Carers: Your Rights at Work
20th November 7pm – 45 min plus time for questions
Activity: Support for Working Carers: Your Rights at Work. Forward Carers Invite you to an informative online zoom session exploring carers leave and your rights in the workplace.
Description: Join us this Carers Rights Day to find out how knowing your rights can make life as a working carer that little bit easier.
Understand your rights: Learn how the Carer’s Leave Act and other workplace laws can help you balance caring with work.
Start the conversation: Get tips on how to talk to your employer about your entitlements and support.
Know your rights, use your rights: This year’s Carers Rights Day theme reminds us that support is there and you deserve to use it.
Did you know? 1 in 7 workers are carers.
Don’t miss this chance to get informed and connect with others.
Register now to secure your place.

Bournemouth Carers Information Event (BCP Carers Support)
2025-11-21 10:00 - 14:00
Organisation: BCP Carers Support
Activity: Carers Rights Day information event
Description: We are hosting a Carers Rights Day information event with local providers and organisations who support carers. Refreshments will be provided. Carers will have the opportunity to network and meet other carers in the local area. Providers will have stalls showcasing their work, along with a carers choir.
Location: Ensbury Park Community Centre, Ensbury Avenue, Bournemouth, BH10 4HG

Carers and cared for people afternoon event in Christchurch (Poole North PCN)
2025-11-21 13:00 - 15:00
Poole North Primary Care Network (PCN) is hosting an afternoon event for its registered carers and their cared for people for Carers Rights Day 2025.
The Poole North PCN includes: The Harvey Practice, The Hadleigh Practice, Canford Heath Group Practice, and Birchwood Medical Centre.
When:
Friday 21st November 2025 1pm to 3pm
Where:
Christ Church28 Northmead DriveCreekmoor BH17 7XZ
This is a free event.
We hope you can join us for tea and coffee.
No need to book.

Carers Afternoon tea in Ferndown (Crane Valley PCN)
2025-11-24 14:00 - 15:30
Organisation: Crane Valley PCN
Activity: Afternoon tea and chat
Description: afternoon of tea and chat. Meet and greet with local social prescribing team who will offer support and advice.
Location: Parley Place Care Home, Ferndown, BH22 8SL
RSVP: call or text Rachel on 07462 521670 or Kate on 07462 050616 email: cranevalleysocialprescribers@dorsetgp.nhs.uk

'We Can Talk About Cancer' Training
2025-11-26 13:30 - 14:15
Organisations: Community Action Network and Cancer Research UK
Description: ‘We CAN talk about cancer’. 20-30 minute presentation, Q&A, resources such as leaflets, contact details for nurses, screening info that will be sent out after the sessions, certificates of attendance. Training sessions for unpaid carers on risks, screening and signs of cancer.
Location: Online
More information on the course: We Can Talk About Cancer | Community Action Network
Book online via Community Action Network – CAN Training – We CAN talk about cancer, online training, 26th November, 1.30pm – 2.15pm

Carers Peer Support Group, Poole
2026-06-01 10:30 - 12:30 | Leonardo Carer Support, Anne van Brussel House, Unit 1, Albany Business Park, Cabot Lane, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BX
BCP Carer Support & Leonardo Friends Carers Peer Support Group – a regular monthly meeting open to carers registered with BCP Carer Support (attendance must be booked through BCP Carer Support). At this meeting, we will be joined by Live Well Dorset and Forward Carers, who will be talking about experiences of being a carer in our local community. The session will finish with a cream tea!
Contact: carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

West Dorset Carers Group
2026-06-01 15:30 - 17:00 | The Chapel in the Garden, 49 East St, Bridport, England, DT6 3JX
West Dorset Carers Group – join us at the Chapel in the Garden (please use the Rax Lane entrance). We are a small, friendly group and know there are carers out there supporting someone with mental health challenges who may benefit from meeting others in a similar situation, so we would warmly welcome any new members. Join us in June, where a member of the friendly Dorset Carer Service, delivered by Help & Care, will also be joining us. Free to attend and no booking necessary.
Contact: carers@helpandcare.org.uk

Gillingham Carer Peer Support Group
2026-06-03 10:30 - 12:30
Join us for a relaxed, friendly chat over a cuppa. Meet other carers, share experiences, and connect with people who understand. There’s real value in coming together – sharing knowledge, learning from each other’s experiences, and building a supportive network. Take some time out for yourself and focus on your own wellbeing in a welcoming, informal space.
For our June meeting, we’ll be celebrating Carers Week! Come along for some extra sweet treats. Free to attend – no booking required. Everyone is welcome.
Contact: carers@helpandcare.org.uk

Blandford Carers Support Cafe
2026-06-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Blandford Rugby Football Club-53 East Street, Blandford forum, DT11 7DX

Blandford's Hidden Gardens
2026-06-07 11:00 - 17:00 | DT11 7AW
Blandford’s Hidden Gardens – now in its 18th year, this popular event invites visitors to explore approximately 20 hidden gardens across Blandford Forum, from Georgian to modern, large gardens to smaller courtyard spaces, including some not previously opened to the public. Blandford has been described as a “Little Bath in bricks” and offers a fascinating setting to explore. Refreshments and plant sales will be available, with all proceeds supporting local charities and groups. Tickets are £7 for adults, with accompanied under-18s attending free. There are 30 FREE tickets available for carers – these must be collected from the Blandford Town Museum on a first come, first served basis (or carers can contact the museum directly on 01258 450388). Come along, explore the gardens, and spot team members from Forward Carers or the Dorset Carer Service, who will be hosting an information stand at the event.
Contact: carers@helpandcare.org.uk
Blandford’s Hidden Gardens | the National UK Open Gardens Directory
https://blandfordtownmuseum.org.uk/

Avon Beach Carers Wellbeing Walk
2026-06-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Avon Beach, located in Mudeford near Christchurch, Dorset (BH23 4AN)
If you are caring for someone and would like the chance to take some time for yourself, join us for a gentle wellbeing walk along the beautiful Avon Beach coastline during Carers Week.
This relaxed and friendly walk offers an opportunity to enjoy fresh sea air, connect with other carers, and take a mindful break in a calm and welcoming setting. The walk will follow a flat promenade route at an easy pace and is designed to be informal and supportive.
This event is for carers only, with spaces limited to 10 people to help keep the group small and welcoming. Feel free to bring your own drink or pick something up from the nearby café before the walk begins.
Please note that dogs are not permitted on this walk. Unfortunately, the route is not suitable for wheelchair users and attendees will need to be able to walk independently.
For more information please email: carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or phone: 01202 128 787
Meet at Beach Hut 19, next to the beach sauna.
Parking is available at Avon Beach Car Park.
Postcode: BH23 4AN
Pay by phone, RingGo ID 1879.

Information and Advice Drop In Sherborne
2026-06-08 10:00 - 14:00
Carers are invited this Carers Week, to drop in and chat with our Carers Caseworkers, who provide information, advice, and practical support to unpaid carers, helping them access services, understand their options, and find the right support for their caring role. The drop-in takes place at the The Walled Garden Restaurant in Sherborne.

Poole Gather Space Adult and Young Carer Drop-In Event
2026-06-08 10:00 - 18:00 | Gather Space Dolphin Centre Poole BH15 1SZ
If you help support someone, whether that is a parent, partner, brother, sister, friend, or someone important to you, come along to this friendly Carers Week drop-in event in Poole for both adult and young carers.
This relaxed and welcoming space is an opportunity to talk to people who understand, find help that works for you, and discover what support and services are available locally for carers.
Drop in anytime during the day and speak with local organisations offering information, guidance, and support for unpaid carers.
Contact: carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Carers Information Drop-In at Gillingham Library
2026-06-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Gillingham Library, Chantry Fields, SP8 4UA
Can We Be Of Help?
If you are caring for someone and would like to know more about the support available to you locally, drop into this friendly and welcoming information session at Gillingham Library.
You can explore a wide range of services and resources designed to support both you and the person you care for, including audiobooks, large print books, wellbeing resources, self-help guides, support for specific health conditions, help with getting online and using technology, local clubs and activities, newspapers, magazines, and more.
There will also be an opportunity for you and the person you care for to try the interactive table, a fun activity designed to encourage thinking, movement, coordination, and social connection.
Your local Dorset Council Carers Case Worker will be there to offer information, advice, a warm welcome, and free refreshments.
Drop in anytime during the session, no booking required. The library is wheelchair accessible and has accessible toilets and disabled parking available.
For more info contact:
Lynne White, Carers Case Worker
01747 859120
Library Customer Services: 01305 221000
Ask for the branch library team.

Dorchester Carers Information Stand at Dorset County Hospital
2026-06-08 11:00 - 15:00 | Damers Restaurant, Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2JY
If you are caring for someone and would like to find out more about support available for unpaid carers, visit the pop-up information stand at Damers Restaurant in Dorset County Hospital during Carers Week.
Sarah-Jo Boyle, Weymouth and Portland PCN Carers Lead, and Kay Linehan-Cross, Dorset Council Carers Case Worker, will be available to help raise awareness of unpaid carers and share information about local services, support, and advice available across the area.
Whether you are currently caring for a family member, friend, or neighbour, or would simply like to know more about local support, you are warmly welcome to stop by for a chat. No need to book, just turn up on the day.

Wareham Welfare Benefits Talk for Carers
2026-06-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Wareham Hospital, Streche Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4QQ
If you are caring for someone and would like to better understand the welfare benefits and financial support that may be available to you or the person you care for, join Dorset Council for this informative talk for carers.
Delivered by Dorset Council staff, this session will provide information and guidance around welfare benefits and offer carers the opportunity to ask questions in a supportive and welcoming environment.
The event is open to all carers in the local area. The event is taking place at Wareham Hospital. Ask for the ‘carers group room’ when you arrive.
Chris Norman Area Practice Manager (Carers) and Lynne Fossey Welfare Benefits Officer, Dorset Council. Contact for more information: christine.norman@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Wareham Carers Information and Advice Drop-In
2026-06-09 10:00 - 12:00 | The Bear 14 South Street Wareham Dorset BH20 4LT
Join us at The Bear for a Carers Information and Advice Drop-in, taking place alongside the monthly Wareham Carer Peer Support Group. A range of local organisations will be hosting information stands, offering the opportunity to find out more about support and services available for unpaid carers across Dorset. Come along for a friendly chat, enjoy tea, coffee and cake, and pick up a carers goodie bag kindly donated by Leonardo Carer Support. We look forward to welcoming carers for an informal and supportive afternoon together.
For more information, contact:
Dorset Carer Service, delivered by Help & Care: carers@helpandcare.org.uk
Sandford Surgery, Katie Ball: katie.ball@dorsetgp.nhs.uk

Weymouth Tea and Talk Carers Drop-In
2026-06-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Wyke Regis and Lanehouse Medical Practice, Portland Road, Wyke Regis, Weymouth DT4 9BE
If you are caring for someone and would like the opportunity to meet others, enjoy a friendly chat, and find out more about support available locally, join the launch of the new ‘Tea and Talk’ carers drop-in session in Weymouth.
Hosted by the Patient Participation Group from Wyke Regis and Lanehouse Medical Practice, this new carers drop-in aims to help raise awareness of unpaid carers and share information about local services, support, and advice available across the area.
Sarah-Jo Boyle, Weymouth and Portland PCN Carers Lead, and Kay Linehan-Cross, Dorset Council Carers Case Worker, will also be there to offer information and support in a welcoming and informal setting.

Wareham Carer Peer Support Group
2026-06-09 10:00 - 13:00
Join us for a relaxed, friendly chat over a cuppa. Meet other carers, share experiences, and connect with people who understand. There’s real value in coming together – sharing knowledge, learning from each other’s experiences, and building a supportive network. Take some time out for yourself and focus on your own wellbeing in a welcoming, informal space.
For our June meeting, we’ll be celebrating Carers Week! Come along for some extra sweet treats, and the chance to meet local professionals who support the group and can offer guidance and information for carers in your area. Free to attend – no booking required. Everyone is welcome.
carers@helpandcare.org.uk

Dorchester Carers Information and Advice Drop-in
2026-06-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA
Members of the Dorset Carer Service team will be based at the Community Room within Dorset Museum & Art Gallery during Carers Week 2026, helping to raise awareness of unpaid carers within the local community. Pop along for a friendly chat and find out more about the local services, support, and opportunities available for unpaid carers across Dorset. We’ll also be joined by your local Carer Case Worker from Dorset Council and other community services and organisations from across the area. Whether you are caring for a loved one yourself, know somebody who is, or simply want to learn more, we’d be delighted to meet you and say hello!

Milton Abbas Carers Coffee Morning
2026-06-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Winterborne Whitechurch Village Hall, Dolway Lane, Blandford Forum DT11 0AW
If you are caring for someone and would like the chance to meet others, ask questions, and learn more about local support available to carers, join us for this friendly carers coffee morning during Carers Week.
The Mid Dorset Primary Care Network Occupational Therapy Team will give a short talk about practical home adaptations that can help make daily life easier, including improving access around the home and adapting bathrooms.
Refreshments will be available.
This event is open only to carers and veterans who are patients at the surgery.
For more information about this event, please contact Milton Abbas Surgery. Call the surgery on 01258 880210 or contact them online via Milton Abbas Surgery.

A Wonderful Walk, Shaftesbury Carers Walk
2026-06-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Shaftesbury Town Hall 21 High Street Shaftesbury SP7 8JE
If you are caring for someone and would enjoy some fresh air, gentle exercise, and good company during Carers Week, join volunteers from Dorset Health Walks and your local Dorset Council Carers Case Worker for a friendly guided walk around Shaftesbury.
This gentle community walk is suitable for a range of abilities and offers a chance to enjoy fantastic views while improving wellbeing, fitness, and social connection in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Dorset Health Walks are free guided walks led by specially trained volunteers who provide encouragement and help create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. There will also be an opportunity to find out more about joining future regular guided walks.
Tuesday 9 June. Meet at 10:45am for an 11:00am start. The walk will be roughly 30 mins. You are welcome to join us for refreshments after.
No need to book.
if you’d like more information:
Lynne White, Dorset Council Carers Case Worker
01747 859120
More information:Shaftesbury Health Walks – Dorset Council

Poole Hospital Carefree Carer Choir Performance
2026-06-09 11:00 - 12:00 | The Dome, Poole Hospital Longfleet Road Poole BH15 2JB
If you are caring for someone and would like to enjoy a relaxing break during your day, come along and listen to the Carefree Carer Choir perform at Poole Hospital.
The choir brings carers together through music and offers an uplifting opportunity to celebrate carers, connect with others, and enjoy a welcoming community atmosphere. Whether you stay for a few minutes or the whole performance, everyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy the music.
No booking required. Drop in and enjoy the performance.
Contact for more information:
Karen Uphill, Carer Lead, UHD
Phone: 0300 019 8714
Email: karen.uphill@nhs.net

Carers Afternoon Tea, Hotel Du Vin, Poole
2026-06-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Hotel Du Vin , 7-11 Thames St, Poole BH15 1JN
If you are caring for someone, join us during Carers Week for a relaxing afternoon tea and friendly conversation as we recognise and celebrate the contribution carers make every day.
Enjoy a selection of afternoon tea treats and the opportunity to spend time with other carers in a welcoming setting. This event is a chance to take some time for yourself during Carers Week.
This event is only open to carers registered with BCP Carer Support Service. Spaces are limited to 30 people and must be booked in advance with the team. Please let the organisers know about any dietary requirements when booking.
Parking at the venue is very limited and cannot be reserved, however there are two public car parks nearby on Poole Quay. For anyone with mobility concerns, level access is available through the back gate. Please note there are 2 to 3 steps to the toilet facilities. Cost: £6 per person.
Please contact: carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Sturminster Newton Carers Information Drop-In at the Library
2026-06-09 14:30 - 16:30 | Sturminster Newton Library, Bath Road DT10 1EH
Can We Be Of Help?
If you are caring for someone and would like to know more about the support available to you locally, drop into this friendly and welcoming information session at Sturminster Newton Library.
You can explore a wide range of services and resources designed to support both you and the person you care for, including audiobooks, large print books, wellbeing resources, self-help guides, support for specific health conditions, help with getting online and using technology, local clubs and activities, newspapers, magazines, and more.
Your local Dorset Council Carers Case Worker will be there to offer information, advice, a warm welcome, and free refreshments.
Drop in anytime during the session, no booking required. Open to everyone.
Contact:
Lynne White, Carers Case Worker
01747 859120
Library Customer Services: 01305 221000
Ask for the branch library team.

Carer Drop-In at Slades Farm, Pavilion Café
2026-06-10 09:30 - 11:30
An opportunity for anyone in a caring role to access information, advice and support in a friendly and informal setting. Free to attend – no booking required.

Royal Bournemouth Hospital Carers Café
2026-06-10 10:00 - 14:00 | Chaplaincy Centre Royal Bournemouth Hospital Castle Lane East Bournemouth BH7 7DW
If you are caring for someone and would like the opportunity to meet others, have a chat, and find out more about support available to carers, drop into the Carers Café at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
This friendly and informal drop-in offers a chance to connect with other carers, and access information and advice in a welcoming environment. Whether you have been caring for someone for many years or have recently taken on a caring role, you are welcome to come along.
No booking required. Drop in at any time during the session.
for more information contact:
Karen Uphill, Carer Lead, UHD
Phone: 0300 019 8714
Email: karen.uphill@nhs.net

Dorset County Hospital HIVE Carers Pop Up Information Stand
2026-06-10 10:00 - 15:00 | The HIVE, Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester, DT1 2JY, United Kingdom
The HIVE (Health and Wellbeing, Information, Volunteering and Engagement) hub, located on Level 1 of South Wing at Dorset County Hospital, offers a welcoming space for patients, families and carers to share feedback, raise concerns, and access information about local support services available across Dorset.
During Carers Week, the Dorset Carer Service will be visiting The HIVE to host a pop-up information stand for unpaid carers within the hospital, alongside spending time visiting wards to help raise awareness of the support available for carers across Dorset. We’ll also be joining the weekly Carers Café, which takes place every Wednesday from 2pm–4pm in The HIVE. The café provides a dedicated space for unpaid carers of hospital inpatients to take a break, enjoy a drink and chat, and connect with staff and other carers. We look forward to flying the flag for carers and celebrating all that unpaid carers do!

Weymouth Carers Information Stand at Asda
2026-06-10 10:00 - 15:00 | Asda Weymouth Superstore Asda foyer Weymouth DT4 8JQ
If you are caring for someone and would like to find out more about support available for unpaid carers, visit the pop-up information stand at Asda Weymouth during Carers Week.
Sarah-Jo Boyle, Weymouth and Portland PCN Carers Lead, and Kay Linehan-Cross, Dorset Council Carers Case Worker, will be there to help raise awareness of unpaid carers and share information about local services, support, and advice available across the area.
Whether you are caring for a family member, friend, or neighbour, you are warmly welcome to stop by for information and a friendly chat.
