Community Action Network (CAN) are offering free online training sessions for carers to help them identify symptoms of cancer for themselves and loved ones, to help early identification and treatment of the disease. They can offer face-to-face/online training for anyone who cannot attend one of the online courses.

Use the links below to book one of the courses is below, any queries or if you’d like information about bespoke training please contact Hannah: Hannah.Rees@can100.org 

Online session, 1st October 10 - 10.45am 

Online session, 13th October, 2 - 2.45pm 

Online session, 23rd October, 2 - 2.45pm 

Online session, 29th October, 11.30 - 12.15pm  

After a period on hiatus, the Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) Service is now back and ready to support people who have (or think they may have) Long Covid. The service is accessed through a referral from your GP practice but there is lots of useful information about the condition and symptoms for anyone unsure if they may have Long Covid. 

Visit the service website on the Dorset HealthCare University website using this link>>

The Harmony Centre in Bridport is keen to raise awareness of Mental Health Support in the Community and following on from the successful “…And Breathe”  Event launch in 2023 to support Community Mental Health, The Harmony Centre is running the “….And Breathe”  Event again to celebrate World Mental Health Day (officially on 10th October 2025).

The Event will take place all day and evening on Saturday 11th October 2025 involving all Mental Health & Wellbeing supporting partners across Bridport and West Dorset and will be a free community collaboration. 

Find out more on the Bridport & West Bay here>>

Taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe and there is no evidence it causes autism in children.  The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) has produced a factsheet with accurate and approved information for anyone with concerns.

Download and view a copy of the DHSC fact sheet here>>

Or find out more on the NHS website here>>

Here are some of the newsletters received recently by the PPG that patients may find interesting:

•  The Friendly Food Club have published a couple newsletters recently:
• Overview of their celebration event with celebrity guest chef Nicholas Balfe: https://mailchi.mp/thefriendlyfoodclub/ffccelebrationevent2025-58904?e=dc81148bf5
• August Newsletter – see where they’ve been in the last month and what’s happening in the near future: https://mailchi.mp/thefriendlyfoodclub/ffcnewsletteraugust2025-59567?e=dc81148bf5

• Healthwatch Dorset’s July newsletter is packed with information including an update and response following the government’s announcement to abolish the Healthwatch network: https://mailchi.mp/1d1568474152/e-bulletin-our-latest-news-to-you?e=0910e5d570

CAN is one of the infrastructure organisations for the voluntary and community sector in Dorset, that serves charities, community groups, and volunteers by offering training, resources, and a vibrant network of support. They are looking for trustees to play a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of their organisation that champions inclusion, wellbeing, and community resilience. If you’d like more information please email CAN for a copy of their Board Recruitment Pack and Strategic Plan: hello@can100.org

The new website, produced by Dorset Women CIC in collaboration with NHS Dorset , healthcare professionals, and members of the community, is centred on the voices and experiences of local women. It's a safe, inclusive space for all women—including those who are transgender or non-binary—to explore trusted health information and local services.

Whether you're looking for information on contraception, mental health, breast health, menopause, pelvic health, or HPV, this website is designed to support you in making choices about your mental and physical well-being.

Visit the Dorset Women’s Health website at https://ourdorset.org.uk/women/

It’s that time of year again when the annual GP patient survey results are published. Overall, the results for Dorset are promising with 81% of people saying their experience of their GP practice was good, a slight increase on last year.

Lyme Bay Medical Practice scored an overall patient satisfaction of 85% much higher than the national average of 75% and better than the local average of 81%.

Download and view a summary of the Practice results here>>

This year there are various ways you can look at the data and analyse results using this link>> https://www.gp-patient.co.uk/ 

You can also view the summary for Dorset in their news article here>> https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/news/dorset-patients-give-local-gp-practices-high-marks-once-again/

Owned and run by the NHS, the NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet. Using the NHS App you can:

• Order a repeat prescription through your nominated pharmacy
• Check your symptoms
• Book and cancel appointments
• View existing and book future appointments
• View your medical records including test results
• Find NHS information on hundreds of conditions
• Use NHS 111 for urgent help online
• Manage decisions around organ, tissue and blood donations.

A range of digital tools is available alongside the NHS App, giving people an important choice in how they access GP services online.

Learn more about the NHS App on the NHS website here>>

Young people across Dorset have a vibrant, inclusive space to connect, grow, and be themselves thanks to Space Youth Project, a dedicated organization supporting LGBT+ youth through a variety of free programs and services.

Space Youth Project runs free weekly groups throughout Dorset, offering a safe and welcoming environment where LGBT+ young people can meet, make friends, and take part in fun and meaningful activities. From art and cooking to Pride-themed events, these sessions are designed to build confidence and foster a sense of belonging.

Beyond group activities, the project provides one-to-one support, family guidance, and professional training, making it a vital resource for not just young individuals, but also their families and the wider community.

Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, either in peer discussions or privately with experienced Youth Workers, helping them to feel seen, heard, and supported.

Space Youth Project’s mission is to help young LGBT+ individuals develop their skills and self-confidence, all within a safe and supportive space that celebrates diversity.

Visit their website for more information and how to contact them>>

Regularly checking your blood pressure is one of the easy ways to help monitor your health. There is an app available that can link your blood pressure readings (whether you take them at home or at a healthcare or community venue) to your GP practice.

 For more information drop me a line, contact your practice and ask to speak to the digital care coordinator or follow this link: https://ourdorset.org.uk/digital/bphome/

As part of your regular self-care routine have you considered checking your head and neck for changes or anything unusual?  Watch this video from Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK which includes tips for regular checks.