Carers Week shines a light on unpaid carers’ wellbeing and local support

Unpaid carers across Dorset are being encouraged to recognise their caring role and find out what support is available to them during Carers Week 2026 (8–14 June).

The week highlights the importance of creating communities where carers feel understood, supported and valued.

This year’s theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, focuses on making everyday services more responsive to carers’ needs while ensuring their voices are heard and access to support is simple and timely.

Events are taking place across Dorset throughout the week, giving carers opportunities to connect with others, discover practical support and prioritise their own wellbeing. Full details are available on the Our Dorset website.

Carers Week also helps people recognise themselves as unpaid carers, as many support a partner, family member, friend or neighbour without identifying as such or knowing help exists.

In Dorset, support for unpaid carers is delivered through the Dorset Carer Service, funded by Dorset Council and run by Help & Care since November 2025.

The service provides information, advice, guidance and practical support to unpaid carers of all ages, helping them to access support, connect with local peer support opportunities, and maintain their own health and wellbeing.

Alongside the Dorset Carer Service, Help & Care provides a wider range of health and wellbeing services, including Health & Wellbeing Coaching, Social Prescribing, HOPE courses, and pre- and post-diagnostic dementia support.

In association with MYTIME Young Carers, tailored support is also available for children and young people, including activity days, group sessions, residential breaks, school support and employability programmes.

SWAN Advocacy is available to support you if you do not have anyone suitable, such as a friend or family member, to help. They can assist you in being involved in decisions and ensuring your voice is heard regarding the person you care for. They also offer support during assessments, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions.

To improve access to advice, Bridget, an AI-powered platform, offers carers 24/7 personalised information via phone, text and web, helping identify needs quickly and connect people to relevant services.

Cllr Steve Robinson, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Unpaid carers are at the heart of our communities, but many don’t recognise themselves as carers or know that help is available.

“Carers Week is about changing that. By working with Help & Care and our partners, we’re building carer friendly communities where support is easier to find and carers feel listened to, valued and connected.”

Unpaid carers can also benefit from free use of a beach hut in Swanage, offering a relaxing space to unwind by the sea. The accessible hut is available for full or half-day bookings and provides a comfortable environment for carers to recharge with family or friends.

Des Persse, Director of Services at Help & Care said: “This year we’re delighted to be able to announce a new hospital pilot to support Dorset residents in planning for a hospital admission as well as providing follow up support to help prevent readmission where possible.”

There are around 35,500 unpaid carers in the Dorset Council area, according to the 2021 Census, with many more likely providing care without recognising themselves as carers.

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