Yellow Heat Health Alert issued for the south-west

A yellow heat health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the south-west from midday on Saturday 4^th July until 5pm on Wednesday 8^th July. A yellow warning affects vulnerable people (E.g. the elderly with multiple health conditions and on multiple medications) and are likely to struggle to cope as the temperature rises. As we’ve seen recently, the alert may escalate or last for a longer time.

To follow the latest heat health alerts please visit the UKHSA website and

Learn more about coping in the hot weather. 

How to stay healthy while wild swimming

Sticking with the UKHSA, they have received some reports of people suffering from gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses linked to wild swimming and have an article about staying healthy while swimming in the sea, lakes or rivers. 

Read more.

Take part in exciting activities to help raise funds for the Friendly Food Club

The Friendly Food Club have recently added some exciting new challenges to their events calendar that will help raise funds for the charity. Events include Snowden (Yr Wyddfa) at night, Three Peaks Challenge, London to Amsterdam Cycle Ride, and Skydiving. Across Dorset, more than 380,000 people are at medium to high risk of food insecurity. This means that they don’t have access to enough healthy, nutritious food that is needed for growth, development and living healthy lives. By taking part in these challenges, you will be raising money that will give them the skills and confidence to change that. For more information please visit their website: https://www.thefriendlyfoodclub.org/challenge-events

Healthwatch Dorset’s Annual Report for 2025/26

Our friends at Healthwatch Dorset have published their annual report that highlights how they listened to over 6,000 people last year, supporting them to have their say to improve health and social care and to get information and advice about local services. You can view their report here: 

Speaking up for better care: Annual Report 2025/26 | Healthwatch Dorset

Opportunity to help the Patients Association better engage with patients

The Patients Association is reviewing how it engages with and supports patients to make sure they are reaching and hearing from as many people as possible. To help us do this, they are working with an organisation called White Tail, who will be running an online focus group on Thursday 16^th July from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. The focus group will take place on MS Teams and a link will be emailed to participants. As a thank you for your time, people will be offered an £80 voucher. For more information and to register your interest in participating please complete a expression of interest: 

Expression of interest: Patients Association Operational Review Survey

Dorset Women CiC July focus - Let’s talk Pelvic Health

Pelvic Health was the No.2 issue that women in Dorset wanted to know about when Dorset Women CiC conducted research, and yet it's something many women only think about when something goes wrong - but it is a vital part of overall wellbeing at every age and stage of life. You can read more about the importance of pelvic health and explore their website (including their popular podcasts) here.

Cool Spaces directory

Many of us are aware of information about warm spaces available in the colder months, but with recent heatwaves affecting Dorset and the prospective for more hot weather to come there is an urgent need to compile a directory of cool spaces. Our friends at Help & Kindness are putting together a list of spaces where people can go during the hot weather, giving them respite from the heat outside.

Visit the cool spaces directory here.

To add a venue to the directory please contact: hello@helpandkindness.co.uk or call 01305 595958.

 Community Conversations 2026

This summer, Dorset Council is bringing together voluntary, community and faith sector partners, along with Town and Parish Council’s and health organisations, for a series of Community Conversations events. These are not formal consultations. They are open, honest discussions about how we work together and how we can do things better. More information is in the attached poster, to register an interest in being part of the community conversations please click on the following link: Community Conversations Expression of Interest Form.

Wessex Water community drop-in sessions

Wessex Water are holding a number of public drop-in sessions, giving people the chance to speak with a Customer Adviser who will act as the point of contact for your local community. They can answer questions about your bill, refer people for support if they’re struggling to pay their bill, provide advice on saving water and avoiding blockages and answer questions about water quality, plumbing and drainage. Their drop-in sessions take place across Dorset including Bournemouth, Bridport, Dorchester, Poole, Portland and Weymouth. For more information about where and when the sessions are taking place, please click on the following link and use the interactive map:  https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/community-drop-ins

 ASCape - Autism Spectrum Community support and activities in Dorset

ASCape provides autism and anxiety-friendly groups and activities for children and organises events and forums to bring parents and carers together in a supportive, non-judgmental and understanding space. Their face-to-face sessions are based in the Bridport/west-Dorset area but have resources and support available for people across Dorset. No official diagnosis is needed to join a session or access resources.

For more information please visit their website.

Latest Healthy Happy Newsletter now available

The latest issue of ‘Health Happy Living’ (a newsletter created by the PPGs in Weymouth and Portland but suitable for people across Dorset) has been published. Articles in this issue includes the power of social prescribing, introducing Park Walk (part of Park Run), and summer seasonal eating.

Read the newsletter here.   

Dorset Sinfonia summer concert

Dorset Sinfonia is an amateur classical orchestra drawing on the talents of musicians from throughout Dorset. They play three concerts per year, their summer concert is on 11^th July from 6pm in Dorchester and will feature a medley of familiar tunes from the screen, stage and video gaming. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children.

Learn more here.   

Amber Heat Health Alert issued for the south-west

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an Amber Heat Health Alert for the south-west of England until 23^rd June. This means younger people and those aged over 65 are at higher risk due to the heat and health & social care services will normally have a higher demand on services than normal amongst others. To follow the latest heat health alerts please visit the UKHSA website: https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/heat and for information about coping in the hot weather please click the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/ 

Connect to work scheme in Dorset

Connect to Work is a fully funded programme designed to support individuals who face barriers to employment due to health conditions, disabilities, or other challenges. They offer tailored, one-to-one support, working at each person’s pace to help them build confidence, develop skills, and ultimately move into suitable, sustainable employment. They also work closely with local employers and services to ensure a joined-up approach. They work across the whole of Dorset so if you know anyone who would like to work but are facing issues doing so, please get in touch with them. People can self-refer or others (including Social Prescribers and Care Coordinators) can make a referral through their website: https://www.skillsandlearningace.com/connect-to-work-dorset/ or drop Sarah an email: sarahcurtis@salbcp.com

Help Wessex Cancer Alliance dispel myths about the bowel screening programme

People aged 50-74 are sent bowel cancer screening kits (FIT tests) in the post every two years. The test can help in the early detection of bowel cancer, and if detected early, treatment is more successful and there’s a good chance of recovery. Unfortunately, there is a lower return rate than hoped for the kits, which is often due to low awareness, misconceptions about the process, and behavioural barriers that prevent people from taking action. Our colleagues at Wessex Cancer Alliance have produced a toolkit including promotional posters to help raise awareness of the tests and importance of returning the kits: Commstoolkit-Primary-Care.pdf To take advantage of the World Cup currently taking place they have football themed posters along with their ‘toilet roll’ posters – the toilet roll posters can be personalised to your local area (for example Weymouth, Bridport, Boscombe etc). For any queries or to get a personalised poster please contact: wessexcanceralliance@wca.uhs.nhs.uk

Patient Partnership Week 2026

The Patients Association’s Patient Partnership Week runs from 29^th June – 3^rd July and is a moment to focus on a simple but powerful truth – healthcare  works best when patients are treated as partners. Across the week there will be a number of informative webinars on subjects including ‘Do patients’ goals, values, and preferences really shape their care?’ and ‘Unlocking patient engagement with the People and Communities guidelines’ amongst others. For more information about week and the webinars available please click on the following link: https://www.patients-association.org.uk/patient-partnership-week-2026

September HOPE course in Lyme Regis 

8 September seems a long time away but that’s the date of the next HOPE course in Lyme Regis (download the flyer here). As you may know, HOPE stands for Help Overcome Problems Effectively and is completely free, so do take a look and pass on to anyone who you feel might benefit from it.

“Ask Damian” - Dorset Police’s 24/7 telephone fraud advice service

Ask Damian is Dorset Police's new service designed to be easy to use and available at any time. It offers advice on all types of fraud, aiming to spot scams early and encourage simple steps to prevent financial loss. It and can also translate into different languages, making it accessible to a wide range of people across Dorset. The system can also send a follow-up text message, giving callers a summary of the advice they received. To access the service call 01202 144688.

Be aware - fraudsters posing as the Fire Service in Dorset

Following on from the above update – A warning has been issued as fraudsters claiming to be from the emergency services are offering to visit homes in the county. There have been fraudulent emails circulating claiming to be from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) claiming residents could be fined £500 for not having working fire alarms fitted. This is of course not true. The Fire Service do offer fire safety visits to households and can fit smoke alarms, which is free of charge. Fire Service staff will also carry ID. For more information and to request a fire safety visit please click on the following link: https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits/ or call 0800 0382323.

 Information about NAPP – National Association of Patient Participation

Many of you will have heard of NAPP, the national organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting patient-led groups in GP practices. At their last AGM in November 2025 the organisation agreed that it will no longer continue and has since been dissolved. Any people or GP practices looking for information, support or resources for PPGs can visit the current PPG page on the NHS Dorset website: https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/voice/ppg/ or the Patients Association website: Patient Participation Groups | The Patients Association

June 5th 2026 briefing from the NHS Dorset Community Engagement team

Heart health talk in Bournemouth

Dr Chris Critoph, a consultant cardiologist at University Hospitals Dorset will be giving a talk on heart health at St Saviours Church in Bournemouth on the 16^th June at 2pm. The free event is brought to you by the hospital governors and will include refreshments and information stalls.

Download the information poster here.

To book a space please email uhd.ftmembers@nhs.net  or call 0300 019 8723.  

Reengage telephone befriending service for the over 75’s

Reengage is a charity that provides information, support and services for people 75 and over, including a monthly activity group in Weymouth. They also offer a free telephone befriending service called ‘Call Companions’, which offers a regular phone call with a matched befriender to help reduce loneliness and isolation. The service is available to anyone in Dorset and there is currently no waiting list. For more information or to refer someone to the Call Companions service please click on the following link: Get a call companion with our free phone befriending service or contact Ellie Plummer by email Ellie.Plummer@reengage.org.uk or phone 0117 2358105.

Poole Military Tattoo – salute to the services

A military tattoo is taking place at Poole Stadium on Saturday 12^th September, which will feature military bands & ceremonial displays, tributes to serving personnel & veterans, and stirring music, colour & pageantry. More information is in the attached poster or click on the following link for details about tickets: https://poolemilitarytattoo.com/

Carers Week 2026

This year’s Carer’s Week runs from the 8^th – 14^th June and is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the contribution unpaid carers make for families and the wider community. There are several free events taking place across Dorset during the week.

Download the Dorset Carer's Week calendar here.

Learn more about Carer’s Week in Dorset. 

Free DBS check service recommences

As mentioned in last week’s updates, Volunteer Centre Dorset are restarting their free DBS checks for small voluntary and community organisations based in the Dorset Council area. Organisations will pay a 1-off registration fee of £30 and are able to access up to 12 DBS checks annually. For more information and to register for the service please email dbs@volunteeringdorset.org.uk.

The GAP Project Community Garden Open Day

Volunteer Centre Dorset are now running the GAP (Gardens And People) Project at Red Cow Farm Garden.  Their aim is to build upon the original concept and create a space that offers an opportunity for a number of organisations to be part of a 'collective' to fully reflect the diversity of the community, manage the site and ensure that the widest possible group of people within Dorchester and surrounding areas are able to access the garden and have the opportunity to benefit from its universal design. To help this, they will be holding an open day on Wednesday 17^th June from 10am – 4pm.

Download the information poster.

Anyone interested in visiting the open day should RSVP by 10^th June to support@volunteeringdorset.org.uk

Friendly Food Club – a look back at the Get Dorset Cooking Live event 20^th May

For anyone who missed the Get Dorset Coking Live event recently, the Friendly Food Club have created an article along with downloadable recipes from the event. It was great to see PPG members attending the event and some even made the front page of the Dorset Echo! To read about the event or look at the recipes please click on the following link: https://mailchi.mp/thefriendlyfoodclub/the-friendly-food-club-newslettergdclive2026-14197077?e=314a2c9517. If you would like more information about the Friendly Food Club, offer support or find out about activities in your area please visit their website: https://www.thefriendlyfoodclub.org/

Tourette’s awareness month

Tourette's Awareness Month runs annually from 15^th May to 15^th June and aims to destigmatise the condition and educate the public on the everyday realities faced by those living with the neurological disorder. Healthwatch Dorset have created an article about this and have spoken to a woman in Dorset about getting diagnosed with Tourette’s along with the challenges of living and working with the condition. Click on the following link to read the article: https://alecto.eocampaign1.com/web-version?ep=2&lc=9802c178-214e-11f1-8755-b79e68a101cb&p=367d52c0-5a82-11f1-9774-7bc299b175c3&pt=campaign&t=1779967708&s=642918ff5634f1fb67df3b81575a763da6a8d367d47a24edc78cf273050e95c0

Volunteer Centre Dorset newsletters

There have been a couple newsletters from Volunteer Centre Dorset recently, which contains funding opportunities available, updates from the Voluntary and Community Sectors Sector Assemble (VCSA), tips to improve social media posts, information about Volunteers Week (1^st – 7^th June) and Carers Week (8^th – 14^th June), along with the exciting news that their free DBS checking service will be returning!. To read their newsletters please click on the following links: Newsletter dated 15^th May: Latest news for the VCS. Newsletter dated 28^th May: https://mailchi.mp/f753422b06d6/latest-news-for-the-vcs-17734885?e=91cd14bf59

Healthwatch Dorset newsletter

In the latest newsletter from Healthwatch Dorset there is an update about the future of the organisation following publication of the new Health Bill, a summary of their recent feedback received, and comment about using AI for getting health information, amongst others. To read their newsletter please click on the following link: alecto.eocampaign1.com/web-version?ep=2&lc=9802c178-214e-11f1-8755-b79e68a101cb&p=a37bf3ca-5aa7-11f1-b06c-0f516bc39905&pt=campaign&t=1780042260&s=19d862d5a245258823f3734b764d726820f1651d984f1b719a2efff03cc5d503

Patients Association – Patient Partnership Week 2026

We're just a month away from Patient Partnership Week and there are now even more free webinars available for you to book!

The Role of NHS Online: building a service patients can be confident in
Join us for the second in our series as we dig deeper into patient experiences which are being used to inform NHS Online's build and contribute to the discussion.
1st July 2026, 4pm - 5pm
Book now

Why prioritising patient trust increases the value of using technology and data to improve research and care
This webinar will explore how organisations can partner with patients in the use of health data, placing trust and transparency at the heart of decision-making. It will examine how technology currently uses patient data, why involving patient panels is essential, and how this supports better outcomes and public confidence. 
2nd July 2026, 12:30 - 1:30pm
Book now

Voluntary & Community Network – booking links for future events

As part of the Volunteering for All programme, we explored what truly inclusive volunteering looks like. This included considering how small, thoughtful changes can open up opportunities for people who may previously have felt unable to take part. We also examined how inclusive volunteering strengthens and enriches both communities and teams, enabling us to benefit from a wider range of skills, perspectives and lived experiences.

We discussed the different types of barriers that can exist—whether physical, cultural or social—and recognised that communication and structural barriers can also arise, sometimes unintentionally.

During each session, participants worked in groups to review case studies and share ideas. We have brought together the suggestions from across all groups and summarised them into this document, which we hope you will find useful and practical.

Several groups also showed an interest in learning more about how to adopt a more inclusive and diverse approach to attracting and recruiting volunteers. If you would like to arrange a discussion with James or Gerry, who lead on this programme at Volunteer Centre Dorset, please contact us at support@volunteeringdorset.org.uk with the subject line Volunteering for All.

Heat health alerts during the coming days

There is a forecast of hot, sunny weather for a majority of the country for the coming week. Although there is no heat health alert for the south-west , be aware there is a yellow heat alert until 27^th May for the south-east of England, London, east of England, west midlands and the east midlands. The good weather predicted for the coming week will mean the levels of ultraviolet (UV) will be high, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Effects from the good weather may be amplified as this is the first period of consistent warm and sunny weather in Dorset this year. The NHS has information about sun safety and sunscreen in the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/

Places still available on the Beaminster HOPE course

HOPE is a free six-session course that covers topics including communication and relationships, mindfulness, getting better sleep, and managing stress & fatigue amongst others. There are still a small number of places available on the Beaminster HOPE course starting Tuesday 2^nd June. More information is in the attached poster, to book a space please email: hope@helpandcare.org.uk or call: 0303 303 0153.

Dorset’s 5-year creative health strategy launched

The creative health strategy for Dorset was officially launched earlier this week, advancing Creative Health across Dorset, aligning with the NHS 10-year plan and the BCP and Dorset Health & Wellbeing strategies. There are many individuals, groups and organisations in Dorset that run sessions to support people and families of all ages to improve their wellbeing and help reduce the pressure on statutory health and social care services. If you would like to be more involved in understanding and delivering the strategy, you can join one of the existing networks – the  Creative Health Action Group: hello@theartsdevelopmentcompany.org.uk or the Creative Health Forum: https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativehealthandwellbeingdorset. You can view the strategy by clicking on the following link: Dorset+Cultural+Health+Strategy+-+Full+(1)-compressed.pdf

Single Patient Record – your health at your fingertips

The King’s speech last week set out plans for the NHS Modernisation Bill, which includes legislation for a Single Patient Record, a digital record that brings together a patient’s health information in one, secure, easy-to-access place. In short, it will give NHS health and care providers the information they need to support safer, faster, more co-ordinated care. You can read more about the plans in the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/digitaltechnology/the-single-patient-record/#learn-spr

Nature Buddies conference – some spaces still available

As mentioned recently, the Nature Buddies conference is taking place on Wednesday 10th June from 9.30am - 2.30pm at Kingston Maurward College. The event brings together social prescribers, healthcare professionals and others interested in learning about nature-based community support and the role of Nature Buddies in reducing isolation and supporting wellbeing. There are some places still available at this free event, which includes lunch! For more information or to book a space please click on the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nature-buddies-network-conference-tickets-1988005320429?aff=oddtdtcreator

Healthy Start Scheme – help for young families

The Healthy Start scheme is run by NHS England and provides pre-paid Healthy Start cards for pregnant women and families with a child under four years old on a low income to buy basic food items including plain liquid cow’s milk, fruit and vegetables, instant formula and vitamins for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers amongst others. For more information about the Healthy Start Scheme please click on the following link: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-and-sites/children-young-people-and-families/health-visiting/healthy-start-scheme

BOWRA Foundation - Support for people recovering from brain injury

The BOWRA foundation was created in 2019 by former Royal Marine Mark Bowra MBE to help people rebuild their lives after brain injury and stroke through practical support, purposeful activity, and the power of the community. They offer activities that are planned, designed and delivered to help beneficiaries, their families and carers. They also offer free BOWRA bags - an individually assembled toolkit of practical items designed to support survivors of stroke and brain injury in the early stages of rehabilitation. Each BOWRA Bag is bespoke to the individual, reflecting their goals, needs, and stage of recovery. For more information on the bag and activities offered by the charity please visit their website: https://bowra-foundation.org/ or email: Megan.H@bowra-foundation.org I have digital posters available if you would like to include information on your website, social media or newsletter, please drop me a line.

Creative Health Celebration in Dorchester

Creativity and Wellbeing Week runs from 18^th – 24^th May and to help celebrate this there is a special afternoon planned on Tuesday 19^th May to celebrate the impact of Creative Health across Dorset.​The event will bring together practitioners, partners, and stakeholders to connect, share ideas and explore the role of creativity in addressing current health challenges. The new Creative Health Strategy will also be launched, marking a collective response to today’s health challenge and recognise those who have helped shape it. To book a place at the event please click on the following link: https://luma.com/8hhivibj

Read Easy – Helping adults to read

There are 2.4 million adults in England, that’s over 7% of the working age population, who can barely read or cannot read at all. Read Easy was established in 2011 and has around 100 volunteer-led groups in the country (including Dorset) offering free, confidential, one-to-one coaching to encourage more adults to learn to read. Read Easy are also keen to reach out to GP practices and community groups and are happy to attend meetings to share how you can help them support more adults to read in Dorset. Here are links to groups in South Dorset (https://readeasy.org.uk/groups/southdorset/), Bridport (https://readeasy.org.uk/groups/bridport/), and Bournemouth & Poole ( https://readeasy.org.uk/groups/poole/) or contact me if you’d like Read Easy to speak to you.

Ygam - charity dedicated to preventing gaming and gambling harms among young people

Ygam are the UK's leading charity dedicated to preventing gaming and gambling harms among young people. Their work bridges the critical knowledge gap between young people's digital lives and the adults who guide them and believe in harm prevention through education, empowering the people who can make a real difference. They offer free training and resources for professionals and family members to help prevent young people from becoming addicted to gambling. For more information about the charity please visit their website: https://ygam.org/

Free Dementia training

Good Oaks care home in Poole are holding a free dementia awareness session designed to support families, neighbours, and anyone in the community who want to better understand dementia and feel more confident supporting someone living with it. The event is taking place on Saturday 27^th June from 10am – 12pm at the Melton Court Retirement Community. To book a space please click on the following link: FREE Public Dementia Awareness Training with GoodOaks Homecare Tickets, Saturday 27 June  •  10 AM - 12 PM | Eventbrite

Nature Buddies Conference 2026

The Nature Buddies conference is taking place on Wednesday 10^th June from 9.30am - 2.30pm at Kingston Maurward College near Dorchester. The event brings together social prescribers, healthcare professionals and others interested in learning about nature-based community support and the role of Nature Buddies in reducing isolation and supporting wellbeing. The day will include short talks, an interactive workshop, and taster activity sessions - offering practical insight into how Nature Buddies works on the ground. Attendees will hear directly from volunteers and host organisations, gain a clearer understanding of who the scheme supports, and build confidence in making referrals. The event is free to attend and includes lunch. To sign up to the event please click on the following link: Nature Buddies Network Conference Tickets, Wednesday, June 10  •  9:30 AM - 2:30 PM | Eventbrite

The Living Tree – Cancer support charity for west-Dorset

The Living Tree is a registered charity which offers friendship, creative activities & holistic therapies, relevant diet & lifestyle information for anyone with any cancer. They offer mutual support, helping people cope with the fear, anxiety, isolation or stress that cancer can bring by offering a chance to unwind, share laughter and coping strategies. The charity has several free activities including a Friday drop-in, allotment, table tennis, whist drive, swimming and therapies. Most activities take place in the Bridport area but are available for anyone in the west-Dorset area who have been affected by cancer.  For more information please go to their website: https://www.thelivingtree.org.uk/

Introduction to Allied Health Professionals for year 12 & 13 students

Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Healthcare are running a programme aimed at year 12 and 13 students who are aspiring to become an Allied Health Professional either through university or apprenticeship routes.

The three-day programme explores careers such as Orthoptist, Dietitian, Speech and Language Therapist, Podiatrist, Diagnostic Radiographer, Occupational Therapist, Operating Department Practitioner, Orthotist, and Physiotherapist. The programme has a maximum of 30 candidates, all applications will be reviewed and students will be notified of the outcome by Wednesday 24 June 2026 at the latest. Please note applications may close early due to high demand. For more information please contact: widening.participation@dchft.nhs.uk

Opportunity to participate in Imperial College London’s PPG research study

A supervised research project exploring the factors that affect effective PPG participation in service decisions within General Practice is being conducted by students at Imperial College London. They are interested in understanding whether PPG members and practice decision-makers (such as GP partners and practice managers) share common perceptions of what makes PPG involvement meaningful. The project has received full ethics approval from Imperial College London. They are looking for both PPG members and GP practice decision makers to participate. Interviews (approximately 30–45 minutes) will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, followed by an optional group session.Please see the attached information sheet;  it says deadline is 4^th April but we understand this has been extended), any queries or to register interest to participate please contact: anab.aideed22@imperial.ac.uk

Information on hantavirus

You may have seen coverage of the hantavirus cases and deaths in passengers on the cruise ship MV Hondius over the past week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have published information about the virus for anyone concerned for themselves or loved ones: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/05/what-is-hantavirus-how-is-it-transmitted-and-what-are-the-symptoms/

Volunteers needed to support Dorset Council’s Age Friendly Community

Dorset Council is seeking volunteers to build a countywide network of Ambassadors, to help make Dorset a better place to grow older. The ambassadors can be any age, and all they need is a commitment to helping shape a long-term plan for an age-friendly Dorset. With help from the council’s Age Friendly Dorset team, the volunteers will raise awareness of age- friendly initiatives in their workplace or community, challenge ageism and promote positive attitudes towards ageing. They’ll also help encourage older people to share their views and take part in consultations and campaigns as we look to build age friendly towns and villages across the county. For more information about the opportunity please contact: agefriendlyambassador@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or complete the application form: Age Friendly Dorset Ambassador programme.

New bereavement café opens in Sturminster Newton

A new monthly drop-in support session for anyone experiencing bereavement is starting on 11^th May in Sturminster Newton, run by the Patient and Family Support Services team at Weldmar Hospicecare. The session runs from 10am until midday and follows the charity’s bereavement drop in at Waffle in Lyme Regis, which began last September and continues to provide support for people in the town. For more information about the drop-in sessions in Sturminster Newton and Lyme Regis please visit the Weldmar Hospicecare website here.

Carers Information

• Carers week is taking place from 8^th – 14^th June, if you know of any activities taking place to celebrate carers that week please contact: fran.stauber@nhs.net & dhc.gpcarers@nhs.net – they can help share information about the events.
• To find out more about the Dorset Carer Service, or to refer someone or register yourself as a carer, please visit: https://www.helpandcare.org.uk/dorset-carer-service/
• There is a national organisation dedicated to supporting adult children who care for their ageing parents. Carents Room has a website with lots of information, support and advice, just visit: https://carents.co.uk/
• Dementia Adventure is an award-winning UK charity dedicated to helping people living with dementia to live better, more active lives by connecting with nature. Their website has lots of information about days out, holidays training and resources for people caring with someone who has dementia: https://dementiaadventure.org/
• Dementia Adventure also has an article about Supporting Men Who Care for Someone with Dementia: Supporting Men Who Care for Someone with Dementia | Dementia Adventure and have an interview with a couple male carers including Scott Mitchell, the late husband of Dame Barbara Windsor: Unpacking Dementia: Blokes that Care

Tobacco and Vapes bill

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has received Royal Assent, representing the most significant public health reform in generations. The legislation creates the UK's first smoke-free generation by making it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, while also introducing measures to tackle youth vaping including a ban on advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products. Download and view the Department of Health & Social Care fact sheet containing key information.

Sport in Mind

The latest Sport in Mind timetable includes sessions in Poole, Dorchester and Weymouth. Sport in Mind are also organising a free trip and walk to Brownsea Island taking place on Wednesday 13^th May from 11.30. To book a place, please contact: emma.powell@sportinmind.org

Men Walking And Talking group

Men Walking And Talking (MWAT) was founded in 2021 with the aim of bringing men together in a safe space to end the stigma around men's mental health by supporting each other. There are now 65 groups across 28 counties, including two in Dorset! The Bournemouth walk takes place on Wednesdays and the Dorchester walk takes place on Tuesdays, both at 6.30pm.

Visit their website for more information about the walks.

Dorset Mental Health Forum - sports and social activities for all

Our colleagues at Dorset Mental Health Forum run a full diary of activities that are available for anyone to take part. Events include café socials, walking groups, gym groups, gardening groups, crafting and skittles amongst others and take place across Dorset including Bournemouth, Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth.

Learn more.

Improved Wimborne hospital car park opens

New and improved car parking facilities at Victoria Hospital in Wimborne have been officially opened, improving access for patients, visitors and staff while supporting the future expansion of local healthcare services. The development represents a £3 million investment in the site, fully funded by the Friends of Victoria Hospital, and marks a major milestone in the on-going evolution of the community hospital site, which is run by Dorset HealthCare. The development includes larger parking spaces and room for an additional 45 vehicles, making parking easier for visitors.

For more information, visit the Dorset Healthcare website here.

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, and the NHS in Dorset is urging residents aged 50 to 74 to complete and return their free home testing (FIT) kits. The test is sent automatically in the post every two years, providing a crucial, simple way to detect early, often symptomless, signs of cancer.

Discover more information about the screening programme.

New HOPE programmes starting soon

Help and Care’s HOPE (Help Overcome Problems Effectively) programme offers friendly, practical courses that help adults build confidence, improve wellbeing, and take charge of their health. There are two online courses starting on 29th April:

• HOPE course for people caring for someone else
• HOPE course for parents of autistic children

Find the right Hope Programme for you or in your area.

Do you know someone who should be on the Priority Services Register for their utilities?

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK-wide service that provides extra support and tailored assistance to vulnerable customers during electricity, gas, or water supply interruptions. People on the Priority Services Register can get 24/7 power cut updates, a personalised power cut plan, Tailored communication (braille, audio, large print etc), and a safety password for peace of mind. Eligible people include those who need temporary extra support — for example after hospital discharge, is deaf or hard of hearing, has a disability, lives with children under 5, is blind or partially sighted, has a chronic illness, relies on medical equipment that needs electricity, or is over 60. Registering someone is free and straightforward to do, in Dorset just click on the following link for the SSEN website. You only need to register once and this will apply for your gas and water connection too: https://www.ssen.co.uk/power-cuts-emergencies/priority-services/

Volunteering for St John Ambulance

The Dorset branch of St John Ambulance would like your help to spread the word about a couple fantastic volunteering opportunities that exist in the county. They’re currently looking for Emergency Responders and Community First Aiders. I’ve attached posters for information, if you could print and put posters up on notice boards and share digitally with friends, community groups and on social media that’d be great. I have larger file sizes available if you would like higher resolution posters – just let me know! For enquiries about the volunteering roles visit their website: https://www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/ or email Jane: Jane.Nield@sja.org.uk

Latest Dorset Women CIC Podcast now available

The latest podcast from Dorset Women CIC called ‘compassionate maternal mental health services’ is now available for you to listen. It’s episode 5 in the series and there are 3 bonus episodes to listen to as well!  To listen to their podcasts or access the fantastic range of information available please visit their website: https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/speaking-of-womens-health-podcast/

Help & Care HOPE programme

I mentioned a couple weeks ago Help & Care’s Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE) programme, which is a free 6-week course that can help people manage fatigue and stress, deal with setbacks, get active and creative amongst others. I’ve now attached a poster for the programme that runs throughout Dorset including Boscombe, Bridport, Christchurch and Weymouth. If possible, please print and display the poster in public areas, it would be great for more people to know about the course! Here’s a link to their website for information: https://www.helpandcare.org.uk/what-we-offer/hope/