Help & Care to Lead New Carers Support Across Dorset

Help & Care will be the new lead agency supporting unpaid carers across Dorset.  

They have been awarded Dorset Council’s Carers Service contract for an initial period of three years, starting in November. 

The Help & Care offer was particularly strong, with a key focus on identifying and registering unpaid carers, providing information, advice and guidance and training, along with a special focus on wellbeing. 

The contract includes working alongside MYTIME Young Carers, who provide dedicated support to carers aged 5 and above, helping them to lead fulfilling lives alongside their caring responsibilities. 

It replaces the current contract run for a number of years by Carer Support Dorset. 

Cllr Steve Robinson, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said he was proud to announce the new partnership:  

“This innovative and collaborative approach promises to bring meaningful positive changes for carers across Dorset, offering a range of support that will enhance wellbeing and resilience. 

“They will bring dedicated health, wellbeing and resilience expertise to carers and I look forward to seeing them champion carers’ issues across the Dorset Integrated Care System (ICS). 

“I’d like to thank Carer Support Dorset for their invaluable service and commitment to carers over the years.” 

Des Persse, Director of Services said: “Help & Care are delighted to be awarded this opportunity to collaborate with Dorset Council and MyTime Young Carers, through the award of the Carers Service contract. 

“Help & Care have a rich history of working with people and communities pan Dorset, helping them to live the lives they choose. Our offer is in part, an invitation to all stakeholders, especially carers, to collaborate and coproduce for the life of the contract, a service that truly reflects their needs and aspirations.  

“We want to energise carers engagement with their communities, to maximise the support, resources and initiatives available to them. Most importantly, we're committed to person-centred conversations that focus on what really matters to carers".  

Help & Care’s offer will co-ordinate and combine an existing range of services as a single system of support in local communities and includes: 

• Personalised coaching focused on building self-management and resilience through meaningful conversations 

• Localised social prescribing with real-time support through face-to-face and online resources 

• A memory/dementia advisor service with subject matter expertise 

• Single Point of Access: trained, local, call handlers offering information, advice, support, and coaching, featuring the new Carers’ Support Service Link Worker 

• A bespoke training programme with group work, online, and self-service options. 

More information about Help & Care can be found on their website at:  https://www.helpandcare.org.uk/