You are receiving this email because you have registered as an unpaid carer* with Carer Support Dorset.
We hope you have been enjoying summer so far, despite the mix of weather!
We want to take this opportunity to thank the carers that came to our successful Carers Week events last month. It was fantastic to see so many of you there.
We hope you find this information useful in your caring role and for looking after your own wellbeing.
Scam Awareness on Friday 30 July, 2pm–3pm. A session delivered by Friends Against Scams on the different types of scams, how to spot them and how to support a victim.
Self Awareness trainingon Thursday 12 August, 10am–11.30am.This session aims to support carers in adopting a problem-solving approach to allow them to identify the challenges they are facing in their caring role. It includes how to make best use of any resources which may be available to carers. The session will be very interactive, allowing for discussions with other carers.
Virtual Cuppaon Wednesday 18 August, 10am–11am. With guest speaker, Leah Boyland from Arthritis Action on self-management of Arthritis.
All sessions are free of charge. To sign up for any of these events, phone us on 0800 368 8349 or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk.
Team updates
We have a new Carer Adviser, Greg Mitchell, who started with us on 21 June. Greg will be joining the rest of the Carer Adviser team in offering information and advice at the end of the phone and emails.
Summer activities
We have put together a list of organisations that are running events throughout the summer to help you get out and about and meet new people. Below is a selection of different activities from walking to gardening, which can be done with or without the person you care for...
Walking
Walking can be a great way to stay healthy and get outdoors. It can also be a great means of finding new connections and socialising outside.
If you are a keen walker, Dorset Ramblers have a range of walking groups across the county and go out regularly each week.
If you want something less demanding you could try:
Calm in the Countryside with Stepping into Nature. A free gentle walk where you can appreciate the sights, sounds and smells of seasonal nature. There will be a chance to take part in some optional introductory mindfulness exercises and to share thoughts and experiences about nature. Sessions take place on Thursdays with some starting from Blandford Forum and some from Upton Country Park.
Health Walks with Dorset Council. Led by trained volunteer health walk leaders, these walks are ideal for beginners. Find out more and book on the Dorset Council website.
Outdoor activities
It’s not just walking, there are lots of outdoor activities in nature that can be good for our wellbeing.
Dorset Mind deliver an Ecotherapy Group, based at Louds Mill in Dorchester. Their Dorchester Gap Projectoffer two weekly sessions on Monday and Thursday mornings. These sessions are for anyone with mild to moderate mental health and wellbeing challenges. If you are interested in participating, email: thegap@dorsetmind.uk
In Jolly Good Companyoffer ‘Step Outside’ gardening groups which meet every Friday afternoon at Kingston Lacy and every 2nd and 4th Monday afternoon at Woodhouse Gardens in Blandford Forum. Activities include gardening, relaxing, chatting and catching up, cutting flowers, harvesting, walking and arts and crafts.
Dorset Mental Health Forum offer a range of activities every month from football, gardening, crafts and much more. You can see their up-to-date timetable on their website.
Summer day trips
Caring can be exhausting, particularly as the pandemic has made it even harder for carers to take a break.
If you want to do some day trips but are worried about costs and accessibility, take a read of our latest blog. It looks at a range of places to visit in Dorset which offer a carers discount with the Dorset Carers Card, including a number of beautiful gardens.
You can also visit the Carers Card website to discover all the offers available.
The National Trust also offers a Essential Companion’ card for the person you care for, which makes it simple to bring one or two carers' companions, free of charge. Find out more and apply for one on theNational Trust website.
Loneliness might be something you struggle with as a carer but you don’t have to go through it alone. For some ideas of how to start combatting these feelings, you can read our recent blog post.
If you are struggling with loneliness, our friendly Carer Adviser team is here to listen and signpost you to a range of services, including befriending. Contact us on 0800 368 8349 or email us at admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk.
Free PPE as a carer
You can still get free PPE through Dorset Council if you are a carer. Order your PPE on theDorset Council websiteor by phoning 01305 221000 Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
If you are unable to collect, there is still a delivery service being run by Dorset Volunteers Centre.
A final note from us
We are here to support you, whatever the question or issue you’re facing. We acknowledge and appreciate the hard work you’re doing in your caring role. Please also contact us if you wish to receive our newsletter in a different format or you are no longer a carer.
Carer Support Dorset is open Mon-Thurs 9.30am-4.30pm, Fri 9.30am-4pm. Call 0800 368 8349 or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk.
Best wishes,
Anna Elston
Manager
Carer Support Dorset
*you are still considered to be an unpaid carer even if you are receiving any government welfare benefits e.g. Carers Allowance.
