On 22 November 2025 the carer support service changed hands from Carer Support Dorset to Help & Care.
Other than a change in contact details, there will be lots of continuity. Most of the team and management will remain the same. So carers will have familiar names and faces to communicate with, whether that’s in person at community events or by phone, email or online.
The connection to Dorset Councils’ other commissioned carers services such as Forward Carers, The Leonardo Trust, Swan Advocacy and Bridgit, will remain strong. For example, your carers card is not affected by the change.
About Help & Care
Help & Care are a Dorset based charity, working locally for 40 years. They provide a range of services to support people to live the lives they choose.
Help & Care have a history of providing support for unpaid carers. Right back as far as 1992, Help & Care worked in partnership with each of the local authorities across Dorset, advocating for carers while delivering practical support like short breaks, information and advice, and access to grants.
Today, Help & Care have staff working in every locality in Dorset, bringing access to a range of health, wellbeing and support services for Dorset residents, helping carers sustain their role while strengthening support networks.
Services on offer for carers
Carers can access Help & Cares’ wide range of services. This reducing the challenge of looking for support or advice.
Help & Care will be working with MYTIME Young Carers. They will lead on designing and delivering support options for young carers.
Help & Care is the certified provider of the HOPE Programme in Dorset. The Hope Programme is as a form of support and engagement for carers facing the pressures of caring.
It offers friendly, practical courses that help carers:
build confidence
improve wellbeing
take charge of their health
build tools that last well beyond the course.
Help & Care will be expanding their Self-Management for Carers programs to reach a broader audience across Dorset. That includes Health & Wellbeing Coaching and Social Prescribing.
For further information and support contact Help & Care: