Carers Support
Do you look after someone?
You might not think of yourself as a carer and think what you do is just part of being a parent, spouse, friend or sibling.
“A carer is someone, who without payment, regularly helps a disabled, mentally or physically ill or frail relative, friend or neighbour.” (Help and Care)"
We know that carers can be any age, including young carers aged under 18 who helps to look after a relative who has a disability, illness, mental health condition or drug or alcohol problem.
Carers are at a much higher risk of becoming ill and it is important that you look after your own health and accept any treatment that you need as, ultimately, you cannot look after someone else without first looking after yourself we may be able to help you.
If you care for someone else, please let us know so we may update our medical records. Complete and submit the form below or contact us to let us know.
The Practice keeps a record of all known carers, as well as those being cared for. It is important that the Practice team recognises the role that carers play in co-coordinating the care and support required by dependant patients. Carers should be actively involved in discussions of treatment and expected outcomes; together with the recognition of the impact caring has on them as an individual.
The Practice Carer Lead is Brenna Martin-Lewis.
On this page you will find a wealth of information about carers, caring and carer support that we hope you will find useful.
Are you a Carer?
Let us know by completing and submitting the form below.
Register a Carer
Further information for Carers
Scroll down for more sources of information that you may find helpful as a Carer.
Bridgit - the quick and easy online support tool
People who regularly look after a family member or friend can now explore resources to support them using an online tool known as Bridgit. It's quick and easy way for carers or cared for people to learn about health conditions, get personal advice and find local events and services.
Brought to you by Dorset Council, Bridgit allows people to explore free well-being, employment, finance and care advice and events, local and national support services and training opportunities. People can also build their own ‘self-care plan’. It’s all available any time of day and without registering first.
While registering as a carer unlocks more support, a listening ear, offers and discounts, we recognise people can be worried about requesting outside help. With Bridgit, people can discover the resources first, then sign up for more support if they choose to, and this can include an online carer’s assessment.
Designed by carers and care experts, Bridgit resources are tailored to the busy and often stressful lives of people who regularly care for others. It is also designed to be user-friendly, with simple navigation and a clean layout so people can explore comfortably, even with limited digital skills.
Visit www.bridgit.care/support/dorset to access the Bridgit tool. People who prefer not to, or cannot go online, can call contact the Carer Support Dorset team on the phone to discover the free support and help available. Please scroll down for their contact details.
The Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole & Dorset Care Services Directory includes:
Details of local care providers, guidance on what support services are available, and information on how to access social care in your area.
To get your free copy of the Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole care guide, please call: Care Choices Ltd on 01223 207770 or download a copy by following this link>>>
Keeping Vulnerable Loved Ones Safe with the Herbert Protocol
Dorset Carer Service
From November 2025, Carer Support Dorset no longer holds the contract to provide support to unpaid carers in our area.
The Dorset Carer Service is an independent service, funded by Dorset Council and delivered by Help & Care in association with MYTIME Young Carers, supporting people who care for others across the Dorset Council area.
Help & Care can connect you to a dedicated team of advisors and a range of support options.
Contact the Dorset Carer Service by phone on 0303 303 0153 or email carers@helpandcare.org.uk
Support for young carers is delivered in partnership with MYTIME Young Carers.
Follow this link to the Help & Care website for more information>>
Carer Friendly ID card
The Carer Friendly ID Card is provided by Forward Carers and is available for FREE to unpaid Carers who newly register with the Help & Care Dorset Carers Service. The card is also available for existing registered Carers who need to renew an expired card. The card is fully funded by Dorset Council to make life better for unpaid Carers.
Find out how to get your Carer Friendly ID Card and using this link>>
Information from Our Dorset
Our Dorset is a partnership of health and social care organisations working together to deliver Integrated Care Systems.
Carers in Hospital
Are you caring or would you lik to continue to care for your cared-for person if they were admitted to hospital?
Find out more by following this link to the University Hospitals Dorset website>>
Find out more by following this link to the Dorset HealthCare University website>>
Dementia Coordinator Service
Many people living with Dementia feel that having support along their journey will maximise independent living and prevent a crisis.
The Dementia Coordinator Service, delivered by Help & Care, is committed to supporting people to live well with Dementia.
The service is available to everyone across Dorset, age 18 and over, including support for immediate carers and loved ones.
Once a diagnosis has been confirmed, the Memory Assessment Service will make a referral to a Dementia Coordinator at Dorset Healthcare. However, Help and Care will accept self-referrals and referrals from GPs and other stakeholders as long as a diagnosis of Dementia is confirmed.
Help and Care work in partnership with Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Dorset and Age UK, as an integral part of the Dementia Services Pathway for Dorset.
For more information, download and view this Help and Care leaflet or visit their website by following this link>> www.helpandcare.org.uk/services/dementia-coordinator-service
The Dementia Coordinator Service support and advice includes:
- Information relating to the diagnosis and its prognosis
- Advice and guidance for a carer or family
- Coping with memory loss
- Information on driving with Dementia and legal requirements
- Benefits entitlement and how to claim
- Information on care options and how to access these
- Referral to Age UK for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy if applicable
- Liaising with agencies, groups, clubs and other community-based support resources on behalf of the service user, if required
- A dedicated Early Onset Dementia Coordinator for those diagnosed aged 65 or under.
This list is not exhaustive but does highlight the expertise, experience, and knowledge available. The service is non-clinical, so any questions relating to clinical issues or medication should be addressed to your GP.
Information about Social Prescribing
Social prescribing is when patients are referred to support in the community, in order to improve their health and wellbeing. Patients are connected to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.
Carers in particular need to look after themselves so they can look after others.
More information about the service can be found on the Jurassic Coast Primary Care Network Social Prescribing page by following this link:>>
Page created: 30 March 2021