Carers Support
Do you look after someone?
You might not think of yourself as a carer. You might feel that what you do is just a natural part of being a husband, wife, parent, sibling, or friend.
A carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a relative, friend, or neighbour who could not manage without their help. This could be due to:
- A physical or mental illness.
- A disability.
- Frailty in old age.
- A drug or alcohol problem.
This includes young carers (under the age of 18) who help look after a family member.
Why it is important to tell your GP
Caring for someone else is rewarding, but it can also be physically and mentally tiring. To look after someone else, you must first look after yourself.
By letting us know you are a carer, we can:
- Support your health: Offer you health checks and vaccinations (like the free flu jab).
- Involve you: Include you in discussions about the treatment and care of the person you look after.
- Offer flexibility: Try to offer you appointments that fit around your caring role.
How to register as a carer
Please let us know so we can update your medical record.
- Online: Register as a carer using the form below.
- In person: Speak to our reception team or ask to speak with our Carer Lead, Brenna Martin-Lewis.
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.
The Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole & Dorset Care Services Directory
Your essential guide to support
The Care Services Directory is a comprehensive guide to adult social care and support across our region. It is designed to help you, your family, or your carers make informed choices about the support available in your community.
What does the directory include?
The directory provides up-to-date information on:
- Staying independent: Advice on equipment and adaptations to help you stay in your own home.
- Home care: A list of registered home care agencies and providers.
- Care homes: Information on residential and nursing homes in the local area.
- Paying for care: Guidance on the costs of care and what financial support may be available.
- Specialist support: Help for people living with dementia, learning disabilities, or sensory loss.
How to access the directory
You can read the directory online or find out where to collect a printed copy.
-
View Online: Read the BCP and Dorset Care Services Directory (E-book)
-
Request a Copy: You can often find printed copies at local libraries, some GP surgeries, or by contacting Adult Social Care at your local council.
Support for Carers: Bridgit
If you regularly look after a family member or friend, you can get free support through Bridgit. This online tool is designed by experts to help you manage your caring role and your own wellbeing.
You can explore Bridgit at any time of day without needing to register first.
How Bridgit can help you:
- Personal advice: Learn about health conditions and find local events or services.
- Self-care plans: Build a plan to look after your own health and finance.
- Carer’s Assessment: Access an online assessment to see what help you are entitled to.
- Discounts and offers: Register as a carer to unlock extra support and savings.
Visit the Bridgit website for Carers
Not comfortable going online?
If you prefer not to use the internet, or need to speak to someone directly, you can contact the Dorset Carer Service. They offer free advice and a listening ear.
-
Call: 0303 303 0153
-
Email: carers@helpandcare.org.uk
Dorset Carer Service
From November 2025, the way unpaid carers are supported in our area has changed. Support is now provided by the Dorset Carer Service.
What is the Dorset Carer Service?
This is an independent service funded by Dorset Council. It is delivered by the charity Help & Care, in partnership with MYTIME Young Carers. They provide a dedicated team of advisors to help you find the support you need.
How to get support
You can contact the team directly for advice, information, or a listening ear.
- Phone: 0303 303 0153
- Email: carers@helpandcare.org.uk
- Website: Visit the Help & Care website for more information
Support for Young Carers (Under 18)
If you are a young carer, or you know someone under 18 who looks after a relative, specialist support is available through MYTIME Young Carers.
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
The Herbert Protocol: Helping to find missing people
The Herbert Protocol is a simple form used to protect people who may be at risk of going missing. It is named after George Herbert, a War veteran who lived with dementia.
How does it work?
You, or a family member, fill in a form with important details about the person at risk. You keep this form in a safe place at home.
If the person goes missing, you hand the form to the police.
Why should I complete a Herbert Protocol form?
- Reduces stress: You won't have to try and remember important details during a frightening or stressful time.
- Saves time: It gives the police the information they need to start their search immediately.
- Key information: The form includes things like a recent photo, medical history, and places the person used to live or visit.
Get your form
- Download and Print: Herbert Protocol Form (PDF)
- Learn More: Visit the Dorset Police Herbert Protocol webpage
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 & Care will accept self-referrals and referrals from GPs and other stakeholders as long as a diagnosis of Dementia is confirmed.
Help & 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.
To submit a Memory/Dementia Support referral:
- Visit the Help & Care website.
- Call 0300 123 1916
- Email: memory@helpandcare.org.uk
The 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.
Support for your Wellbeing: Social Prescribing
Many things affect our health and happiness that cannot be treated by a doctor or medicine alone. If you are feeling lonely, stressed by your caring role, or struggling with your finances, our Social Prescribers are here to help.
What is a Social Prescriber?
A Social Prescriber is a friendly member of our team who takes the time to listen to what matters to you. They connect you with local services, groups, and support that can improve your quality of life.
How they can help carers:
- Finding local support: Connecting you with carer support groups in Lyme Regis, Charmouth, and the surrounding areas.
- Managing practical issues: Helping you find advice on benefits, housing, or transport to hospital appointments.
- Improving your health: Finding low-cost exercise classes, hobby groups, or nature-based activities to give you a "break" from your caring role.
- Emotional support: Linking you with "befriending" services or mental health support if you are feeling overwhelmed.
How to access the service
You do not always need a GP appointment to speak with a Social Prescriber.
- Ask at Reception: Tell our team you would like a referral to the Jurassic Coast Social Prescribing team.
- Self-referral: In many cases, you can request a call-back directly. Complete the Jurassic Coast Social Prescribing contact form.
Page created: 30 March 2021