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Carers
This resource sheet includes a selection of services, tools, and organisations that others have found helpful. If you require further support in accessing these or other services, please conntact the Social Prescribing Team
Registering as a Carer
You can register with the GP by informing them at any time.
Help and Care is an organisation commissioned by Dorset Council to help carers to access services, information, education and training, respite and breaks from their caring role.
You can register yourself with Help and Care or a professional may do it on your behalf. Once registered you will receive information on the Help and Care service and how they can support you.
Registration and assessments
Help and Care
Supporting unpaid carers across Dorset with information, guidance and wellbeing support.
Carers Assessment
As an unpaid Carer, you may want a Carers Assessment to discuss your role and balance it with your health needs. This can help identify your goals and may determine your eligibility for financial support.
Additionally, the person you care for might need a Care Needs Assessment if they struggle with daily tasks, which also includes a financial evaluation for funding eligibility. You can access these assessments by:
Benefits, grants and professional advice
Government Allowances
Financial support you may qualify for if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week.
Carers Trust
Carers Trust is a leading charity focused on supporting unpaid carers who look after ill, frail, or disabled family members or friends. Their mission is to enhance recognition and access to services for these carers, ensuring they can live their lives fully.
Leonardo Carers Support
Provide grants to carers to fund essential items; they can also look to fund respite breaks and relaxation therapies to support mental wellbeing.
Application Assistance
Organisations such as Help and Care, Age UK or Citizens Advice Bureau can help with making applications.
Drop-in support groups
Facilitated by Help and Care, these Carer support groups are a great opportunity to meet with other people in similar situations. You can register with the Help and Care Carer service and take the opportunity to chat about your role and any concerns you may have. No need to book, just drop in and enjoy a free hot drink.
Bridport
The Bull Hotel, 34 East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LF.
2nd Thursday of the month 10:30am to 12:30pm.
Lyme Regis
Waffle, 37 Broad Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QF.
2nd Thursday of the month 2pm to 4pm
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness runs a small welcoming group facilitated by people with lived experience. Open for anyone caring for someone with a mental illness.
Chapel in the garden, Bridport (Rax Lane entrance) DT6 3JJ
1st Monday of the month 3:30pm to 5pm
ASCape
ASCape runs a parent and carers support group for those with Children who are Autistic or socially anxious.
Bridport Community Centre, Gundry Lane, DT6 3RL
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 5:30pm to 7pm
The Jurassic Carers Hub
Welcoming all unpaid carers to receive practical support, information, advice, signposting and onward referrals. The Hub will be running every 4th Thursday of the month on Langdon Ward in Bridport Community Hospital.
As well as information and advice, we will have opportunities to hear from local organisations as well as free face-to-face training opportunities.
For further information, please contact the Social Prescribing team