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.
Pan Dorset Carers Steering Group – join us
The Pan Dorset Carers Steering Group is a strategic group consisting of carers, the local authority and health partners who collaborate to shape services for carers in Dorset. We worked together to create a shared strategic vision ‘Together with Carers: A Dorset Vision’ and are now focusing on monitoring and supporting the progress towards delivering on our objectives set within this.
The steering group is committed to strengthening and expanding carer representation. Carers who join the group will be invited to participate in online meetings held every six weeks and will have the opportunity to be further involved in more in-depth work, collaborating directly with providers on specific areas of carer support we are looking to improve.
We are now looking to recruit carers over the age of 16 who can represent the views of carers, using their own life experience as well as representing the collective voice of carers.
The deadline for expressions of interest is: 9 December 2024.
Carers are fully supported to be members of the group. There is an induction period designed to settle you into the group and make sure involvement feels right for you. The induction is done with the group’s designated facilitator, whose role is to support members (including and especially carers), and make sure information and meetings go smoothly and are accessible. Carers can have regular check-ins with the facilitator and who will be your point of contact for any questions or concerns. We want to make sure your involvement is as enjoyable and meaningful as possible, and you get the support you need.
If you would like any further information, please email us at: dhc.carersdorset@nhs.net
To express an interest in joining the group and becoming a carer member, please download and complete the expression of interest form. Once complete, please send it to dhc.carersdorset@nhs.net
Please note, this is an application for a selection process due to the number of seats available. If you are unsuccessful, you will be informed about other opportunities to volunteer and get involved in shaping services or to have your voice heard. We will review every application and will be able to signpost you to something that is right for you.
This poster promotes the opportunity for involvement in the Pan Dorset Carers Steering Group:
Poster for recruitment – Pan Dorset Carers Steering Group 2024
Whether you are a carer or provider, please download and display wherever possible to spread the message as far and wide to carers.
Documents
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
