You are receiving this letter because you have registered as an unpaid carer* with Carer Support Dorset.
We hope this newsletter finds you warm as we start to go into to the colder months of the year. We hope the information provided here can help you in your caring role.
We will be joined by The Leonardo Trust who will be talking about the support they offer carers, including respite and counselling.
If you would like to register for any of these free events then please contact us on 0800 368 8349 or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk.
Reminder: Carers Dorset Festival
The Carers Dorset Festival is Thursday 25 November. There are lots of free events to choose from online and in person across Dorset.
You can find up-to-date details on the events on offer on our website.
You can also sign up to any of the online events on Eventbrite.
Carers Dorset Festival: Have your say, tell us your thoughts
On Thursday 25 November 2.10pm–2.50pm as part of the Carers Dorset Festival, we would encourage you to sign up to this online session to share your thoughts on what the current challenges of caring are and what you feel has or has not been achieved for carers in Dorset. You can register and find out more on the event’s Eventbrite page.
Flu vaccines – For people with learning disabilities and their carers
If you care for someone with learning disabilities, you and the person you care for are eligible for a flu vaccination. To ensure you and the person you care for can get flu vaccinations in an accessible way, NHS England and NHS Improvement (South West Region) have created a letter send to your GP to argue your case.
You can download the letter and read more about accessible resources to make getting the flu vaccine easier for you and the person you care for on our website.
Socially Connecting Shaftesbury
The Socially Connecting Shaftesbury projecthas started, which is offering drop-ins at Shaftesbury Town Hall over the next month. This gives you the opportunity to talk to organisations that can support your mental health and wellbeing. We will be there as well if you wish to chat to one of our friendly Carer Advisers.
There have been two changes in date and time, see below the updated times:
Discounts with the Dorset Carers Card
When you registered with us, you would have received a free Dorset Carers Card which gives you access to lots of discounts across Dorset. You can see our latest blogs to find out more about what’s on offer. This includes the latest organisations to offer discounts and discounts onindoor places to visit.
Winter support for unpaid carers
Winter can bring unique challenges when you are caring for someone, but planning ahead can make us feel more in control and relieve some of the inevitable stress this time of year can bring.
We have a new blog that contains advice for coping this winter– from supporting your own health and wellbeing to dealing with the financial strain of extra heating. This includes a comprehensive list of where you can go for support and grants to help you and your finances whilst it’s cold.
Covid booster jab
As a carer you are eligible for a boaster jab, the NHS will contact you to let you know when you're eligible to use this service. This will be at least 6 months after your 2nd dose of the vaccine.
If you have not been contacted and it's been 6 months and 1 week (190 days) since your 2nd dose, please try to book your appointment online through the NHS website.
A final note from us
The Carer Support Dorset team 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.
Carer Support Dorset is open Mon-Thurs 9.30am-4.30pm, Fri 9.30am-4pm. Call 0800 368 8349 or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.ukif you need support or advice on anything related to your caring role.
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.
Contact us on 0800 368 8349 or email admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk if you’d like to receive future correspondence in a different format or if you no longer wish to be on the carer register.
