Ambulance services save lives around the clock. People need them to arrive quickly and get them to the right care straight away.  Healthwatch England's r latest look at thousands of patient stories shows some worrying patterns:

• Delays in ambulance arrival
• People feeling unsure whether to wait or try to get to hospital themselves
• A&E departments feeling in disarray. 

Even with these challenges, people have huge respect for the dedication and professionalism of frontline crews.  Find out what people told us, and what the government needs to do to make ambulance services work better.

Read more here.

Your experience with medicines during cancer care

Macmillan Cancer Support and the Royal College of Pharmacy want to hear about your experience of taking and managing medicines during cancer care, especially if you have other health conditions and take several medicines. Your answers will help improve the support, information and care offered to people affected by cancer.

Who can take part: adults living in the UK who are affected by cancer and other long‑term conditions and who currently take one or more medicines.

The survey is anonymous and takes about 7 minutes. Deadline: Wednesday 27 May 2026, 5pm

Take the survey.

Help The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to improve by sharing your experiences

The HCPC has commissioned this survey to understand what people think of the organisation and hear about their experiences.

This short survey is for anyone who has interacted with the HCPC, to share what works well and what it could do better.

It takes around 5–10 minutes to complete, and all of your responses are anonymous. 

Share your thoughts here.

Opportunity to shape the design of a clinical trial in melonoma

Are you a patient or carer with experience of melanoma? The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) would like to hear your thoughts on a new study designed to improve health and care research for melanoma.

• Selected participants will review draft documents for a new research study:
• Read info sheets written for patients.
• Check if language is clear & sensitive.
• Help make the study better for patients.

Find out more and apply

Free Dementia training

Good Oaks care home in Poole are holding a free dementia awareness session designed to support families, neighbours, and anyone in the community who want to better understand dementia and feel more confident supporting someone living with it. The event is taking place on Saturday 27^th June from 10am – 12pm at the Melton Court Retirement Community. To book a space please click on the following link: FREE Public Dementia Awareness Training with GoodOaks Homecare Tickets, Saturday 27 June  •  10 AM - 12 PM | Eventbrite

Nature Buddies Conference 2026

The Nature Buddies conference is taking place on Wednesday 10^th June from 9.30am - 2.30pm at Kingston Maurward College near Dorchester. The event brings together social prescribers, healthcare professionals and others interested in learning about nature-based community support and the role of Nature Buddies in reducing isolation and supporting wellbeing. The day will include short talks, an interactive workshop, and taster activity sessions - offering practical insight into how Nature Buddies works on the ground. Attendees will hear directly from volunteers and host organisations, gain a clearer understanding of who the scheme supports, and build confidence in making referrals. The event is free to attend and includes lunch. To sign up to the event please click on the following link: Nature Buddies Network Conference Tickets, Wednesday, June 10  •  9:30 AM - 2:30 PM | Eventbrite

Opportunity to participate in Imperial College London’s PPG research study

A supervised research project exploring the factors that affect effective PPG participation in service decisions within General Practice is being conducted by students at Imperial College London. They are interested in understanding whether PPG members and practice decision-makers (such as GP partners and practice managers) share common perceptions of what makes PPG involvement meaningful. The project has received full ethics approval from Imperial College London. They are looking for both PPG members and GP practice decision makers to participate. Interviews (approximately 30–45 minutes) will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, followed by an optional group session.  Please see the attached information sheet;  it says deadline is 4^th April but we understand this has been extended), any queries or to register interest to participate please contact: anab.aideed22@imperial.ac.uk

Information on hantavirus

You may have seen coverage of the hantavirus cases and deaths in passengers on the cruise ship MV Hondius over the past week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have published information about the virus for anyone concerned for themselves or loved ones: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/05/what-is-hantavirus-how-is-it-transmitted-and-what-are-the-symptoms/

BOWRA Foundation - Support for people recovering from brain injury

The BOWRA foundation was created in 2019 by former Royal Marine Mark Bowra MBE to help people rebuild their lives after brain injury and stroke through practical support, purposeful activity, and the power of the community. They offer activities that are planned, designed and delivered to help beneficiaries, their families and carers. They also offer free BOWRA bags - an individually assembled toolkit of practical items designed to support survivors of stroke and brain injury in the early stages of rehabilitation. Each BOWRA Bag is bespoke to the individual, reflecting their goals, needs, and stage of recovery. For more information on the bag and activities offered by the charity please visit their website: https://bowra-foundation.org/ or email: Megan.H@bowra-foundation.org I have digital posters available if you would like to include information on your website, social media or newsletter, please drop me a line.

Read Easy – Helping adults to read

There are 2.4 million adults in England, that’s over 7% of the working age population, who can barely read or cannot read at all. Read Easy was established in 2011 and has around 100 volunteer-led groups in the country (including Dorset) offering free, confidential, one-to-one coaching to encourage more adults to learn to read. Read Easy are also keen to reach out to GP practices and community groups and are happy to attend meetings to share how you can help them support more adults to read in Dorset. Here are links to groups in South Dorset (https://readeasy.org.uk/groups/southdorset/), Bridport (https://readeasy.org.uk/groups/bridport/), and Bournemouth & Poole ( https://readeasy.org.uk/groups/poole/) or contact me if you’d like Read Easy to speak to you.

Ygam - charity dedicated to preventing gaming and gambling harms among young people

Ygam are the UK's leading charity dedicated to preventing gaming and gambling harms among young people. Their work bridges the critical knowledge gap between young people's digital lives and the adults who guide them and believe in harm prevention through education, empowering the people who can make a real difference. They offer free training and resources for professionals and family members to help prevent young people from becoming addicted to gambling. For more information about the charity please visit their website: https://ygam.org/

Volunteers needed to support Dorset Council’s Age Friendly Community

Dorset Council is seeking volunteers to build a countywide network of Ambassadors, to help make Dorset a better place to grow older. The ambassadors can be any age, and all they need is a commitment to helping shape a long-term plan for an age-friendly Dorset. With help from the council’s Age Friendly Dorset team, the volunteers will raise awareness of age- friendly initiatives in their workplace or community, challenge ageism and promote positive attitudes towards ageing. They’ll also help encourage older people to share their views and take part in consultations and campaigns as we look to build age friendly towns and villages across the county. For more information about the opportunity please contact: agefriendlyambassador@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or complete the application form: Age Friendly Dorset Ambassador programme.

Carers Information

• Carers week is taking place from 8^th – 14^th June, if you know of any activities taking place to celebrate carers that week please contact: fran.stauber@nhs.net & dhc.gpcarers@nhs.net – they can help share information about the events.
• To find out more about the Dorset Carer Service, or to refer someone or register yourself as a carer, please visit: https://www.helpandcare.org.uk/dorset-carer-service/
• There is a national organisation dedicated to supporting adult children who care for their ageing parents. Carents Room has a website with lots of information, support and advice, just visit: https://carents.co.uk/
• Dementia Adventure is an award-winning UK charity dedicated to helping people living with dementia to live better, more active lives by connecting with nature. Their website has lots of information about days out, holidays training and resources for people caring with someone who has dementia: https://dementiaadventure.org/
• Dementia Adventure also has an article about Supporting Men Who Care for Someone with Dementia: Supporting Men Who Care for Someone with Dementia | Dementia Adventure and have an interview with a couple male carers including Scott Mitchell, the late husband of Dame Barbara Windsor: Unpacking Dementia: Blokes that Care

Tobacco and Vapes bill

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has received Royal Assent, representing the most significant public health reform in generations. The legislation creates the UK's first smoke-free generation by making it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, while also introducing measures to tackle youth vaping including a ban on advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products. Tobacco and Vapes Bill Royal Assent - fact sheet.pdf

Sport in Mind

The latest Sport in Mind timetable includes sessions in Poole, Dorchester and Weymouth. Sport in Mind are also organising a free trip and walk to Brownsea Island taking place on Wednesday 13^th May from 11.30. To book a place please contact: emma.powell@sportinmind.org

Still lost in the system: the urgent need for better NHS admin

More than a year on from The King's Fund's December 2024 poll, its latest research shows no improvement in people’s experiences of NHS admin. NHS admin plays a central role in shaping how people experience and perceive the NHS.

The results overall make for difficult reading. Not only has there been little change in people’s experience of NHS admin since the previous polling, but general perceptions of NHS admin and communications have actually gotten worse.  

Read the report

Share your views: cancer care and the future use of AI

A new research study from the University of Surrey is exploring people’s experiences of multidisciplinary team (MDT) working in cancer care, and views on how artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to support decision-making.

MDTs bring together different specialists to agree on the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient. As new AI technologies develop, there is growing interest in whether they could support aspects of this process. It is important to understand how this might be perceived by patients and carers, including any concerns around safety, appropriateness and trust.

If you have been affected by cancer, either through your own diagnosis or as a caregiver, you are invited to complete a short questionnaire (around 15 minutes). The research aims to gather perspectives from a wide range of people and experiences.

Take the survey

The Future of Care: Exploring the New NHS Online Hospital

The new NHS online hospital launches in 2027, but what is it and how will it work?  Join our free online event on 11th May at 2pm to learn more. 

NHS Online will give patients with certain conditions the option of receiving care through a new digital service. Together we’ll look at what an online NHS hospital means to people, and will discuss the benefits, opportunities, risks, and concerns. Join us if you are a patient, healthcare professional, policy-maker, carer, charity worker, or simply anyone who wants to learn more about this new initiative. 

Learn more and book a place.

Parkinson’s running programme

Physical activity is a proven way for those living with Parkinson’s to manage symptoms and this new walking programme will provide weekly walks around Kingston Lacy with a focus on raising the heart rate whilst connect to the nature around you. The 12-week programme is led by experienced walk leaders and commences on Monday 11th May at 2pm. For more information and to book please visit the National Trust website here.   

Read more information about the activities available in Dorset for people living with Parkinson’s.

New Scams targeting people in Dorset

There are a couple scams that people in Dorset have identified recently:

• Pensioners are being contacted by scammers regarding the repayment of the winter fuel payment (if their income was over £35,000). HMRC have confirmed they will not contact people directly to ask for reimbursement, instead people’s tax codes will be altered starting April 2026 or anyone completing a self-assessment tax return will have the payment pre-populated in their return.  
• Emails are being sent to people warning them their TV licence is due to expire in a few days giving a link for people to click and renew their licence. The emails are not sent from a TV Licensing email address. If you receive one, please forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk. You can check if you need to renew your licence by clicking and completing details on the following link: Renew your TV Licence - TV Licensing ™ . There is more information about TV licence scams here: Helping you avoid TV Licensing scams – and how to report one - TV Licensing ™

Caring for you in an emergency – Talk on Monday 20th April

As part of the Bournemouth University and University Hospitals Dorset lecture series, an in-person talk is taking place on 20th April from 6pm at Bournemouth University Lansdown Campus. Experts from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (UHD), South West Ambulance Service Trust (SWAST) and Bournemouth University (BU) will talk about emergency care in Dorset - looking at the role of the paramedic and the work they do, and what happens in a hospital setting, as well as the latest research taking place in the emergency care space.

Read more information and to book a space.

Healthy Start scheme

People who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. The Healthy Start scheme helps people to buy products including milk, vegetables, pulses, infant formula and some vitamins.

Learn more on the Healthy Start website here.

New look NHS APP

The new look NHS App is being rolled out to users and will take a few weeks until it hits all devices. The improvements, based on feedback from both patients and staff, make it easier for people to find the services patients need and is part of the drive to improve digital access as set out in the 10 Year Health Plan for England. Changes include a new home page and relocating information making it easier to navigate to the services you need. You can find out more about the changes and view a video about the change on the following link: https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-app/resources/new-look-nhs-app-what-is-changing

Operation Relentless Community Fund

The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is inviting community groups and organisations across Dorset to apply for the next round of the Operation Relentless Community Fund. The fund supports projects that help prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), strengthen communities, and protect vulnerable people. It forms part of the PCC’s ongoing work to address antisocial behaviour in Dorset. Grants are available to support initiatives that engage young people, divert individuals away from violence or criminality, and build resilience within local communities. Voluntary and community sector organisations, charities, and other eligible groups are encouraged to apply. For more information and to apply for a grant please click on the following link: https://www.dorset.pcc.police.uk/working-in-partnership/operation-relentless-community-fund-asb/

Connect to Work – Skills and Learning Adult Community Education

Skills & Learning Adult Community Education (ACE) is pleased to announce that Connect to Work, our new Supported Employment service, is now live.   This service will support residents across Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) who face barriers to employment, helping them move into – and stay in – meaningful paid work.  

Connect to Work is for adults aged 18 and over who are not in employment or actively looking for work, but who want to work but need specialist help due to: 

• Learning disabilities or difficulties 
• Autism or other neurodivergence 
• Mental health conditions 
• Physical or sensory disabilities 
• Long-term health conditions 
• Complex or multiple barriers 
• Long-term unemployment requiring structured support 
• Being at risk of leaving their job due to a disability or health condition

Participants must also live in Dorset / BCP, have the right to work in the UK, and be able to engage in a structured programme. 

The service will be delivered in the community by a dedicated team of Supported Employment Specialists, and the Skills and Learning team are looking for referral partners to support with this.

Referrals can be made by completing the Expression of Interest form on behalf of your service user/patient/client:

Connect to Work Expression of Interest Form

For more information you can email us on connecttowork@salbcp.com

CAN events in April

Our friends at Community Action Network (CAN) have a number of events coming up in April including a volunteer fair, SEND information event, and drop-in information stations. More information about their volunteer fair and all their upcoming events: https://can100.org/training-and-events/all-events/

Help shape new area wards for Dorset Council

A public consultation has been launched to help shape new council wards for Dorset Council. The Local Government Boundary Commission for England wants to hear people’s views on where they live, to help make sure that the new wards reflect the size and shape of local communities. An electoral review is being carried out to make sure that each local councillor represents about the same number of electors, and that the wards they represent reflect community identities. The consultation closes on 1^st June, for more information please click on the following link: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/news/consultation-launched-on-review-of-local-election-boundaries-in-dorset

Care Curious Community Hub meetings in Poole

If you have questions relating to care and support for yourself or someone you care for, please pop along to the Care Curious Community Hub to get information, support, and a hot drink! The hub has helped many people with the big things that matter but also the small things no one talks about. The hub operates from Heather’s Tearoom ( 233-235 Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 3NR) every Wednesday from 10am – 2pm. A poster is attached for information.

Carers Week 2026

Carers Week 2026 will take place from 8^th – 14^th June and will focus on building carer friendly communities. The campaign aims to highlight the need for greater recognition and support for unpaid carers. A carer friendly community is any place, space or organisation that values carers and takes practical steps to support them by identifying who they are, listening to their experiences, and ensuring they are not left to manage alone. Carers UK estimates that unpaid carers save the UK economy £184 billion each year (an amount comparable to the cost of running a second NHS!) yet many carers still do not receive the support they need. In Dorset we have fantastic people and organisations that support carers but we always want to strengthen the availability of local support—and this is where your help is vital. If your group or organisation would like to take part in celebrating and supporting carers, Fran Stauber would love to hear from you: fran.stauber@nhs.net.

Healthy Homes Dorset through Ridgewater Energy

Ridgewater Energy deliver a Dorset project called ‘Healthy Homes Dorset’ on behalf of Dorset Council and Public Health which provides free support to residents in the area. They offer free energy advice over the phone and by e-mail, or in certain cases by home visit. They also deliver projects which help replace kitchen appliances, install insulation, heating replacements and upgrades, as well as renewable energy technologies, which support you on your journey to a warmer, more energy efficient and greener home. All schemes are subject to eligibility requirements/survey (where applicable). For more information, or to see if you qualify for these services, please check their website: www.Ridgewaterenergy.co.uk  or call a member of the team on 01202 612726.

Resident doctors’ strike

Resident doctors are planning to go on strike between 7th and the 13th April.

We're keen to understand how the upcoming resident doctors' strike is affecting patients. Whether your care has been delayed, changed, or not impacted at all, your insight will help us better represent patient voices.

The survey is anonymous, but if you're happy for us to contact you for more information or to potentially share your story in the media, there’s an option to leave your details at the end.

Share your experience here.

Have you experienced long waits for healthcare results?

We’re looking to speak to patients who have experienced long delays in receiving their test results: particularly if you were told your case was urgent, or that you would be seen quickly, but have since faced unexpected or unexplained delays.

We’re especially keen to hear from anyone who has been given unclear or unusual reasons for delays, or who has been left waiting without an update.

We are working with a national media outlet, LBC News, to highlight the impact of delays in receiving test results on patients. If you feel comfortable speaking to a journalist about your experience, we’d really like to hear from you. You will have the option to change your name and for a different voice to be used if you prefer.

Contact the Patients Association to have your say by emailing: media@patients-association.org.uk

Help shape a migraine clinical trial

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is looking for members of the public who have experience of Migraines to be involved in the shaping of a commercial clinical trial.

Participants will need to read through draft documents that have been prepared for people interested in taking part in the study and give feedback on how clearly the information has been written and presented. This will help the NIHR to design a study that is focused on the needs of the participant, their family, and their community

Apply to take part

BOWRA Bag – a free stroke and brain injury support kit

The BOWRA foundation was founded in 2019 by former Royal Marine Mark Bowra MBE to help people rebuild their lives after brain injury and stroke through practical support and purposeful activity. The BOWRA Bag is a specially assembled toolkit of practical items designed to support survivors of stroke and brain injury in the early stages of rehabilitation. Each BOWRA Bag is bespoke to the individual, reflecting their goals, needs, and stage of recovery and can include things like a non-drip water bottle, resistance band/exercise loop, easy tie shoelaces and a knork (a fork with a built-in cutting edge) in an easy to carry rucksack. For more information on the BOWRA bag please visit their website: https://bowra-foundation.org/bowra-bag/  They are also looking for clinicians with a passion to support the project to join a focus and help play a key role in the bag's development. If you know someone who can help please contact: Megan.H@bowra-foundation.org

Do you know someone who could be a trustee at Dorset Community Foundation?

Dorset Community Foundation are looking for younger and more diverse members who want to give back to Dorset to join their board of trustees. They are looking for people with lived experience of working with grass roots charities and voluntary groups, or being helped by them, to bring a greater appreciation of what they need. They are also looking for anyone with financial investment experience. Please visit their website for more information: https://www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/news/seach-for-new-trustees/ or email them: admin@dorsetcf.org

Fundamentals of Care Programme – improving care at UHD

University Hospitals Dorset are inviting patients and/or carers to take part in a listening event on Tuesday 21^st April at Christchurch Hospital. Your stories, ideas and experiences will help give them guidance on the right support people need in their hospitals. Reasonable travel costs will be paid. More information is in the attached poster, to register please click on the following link Fundamentals of Care Workshop or call: 0300 019 8610

Download and view the information poster.

Help protect against future pandemics – Bird Flu clinical vaccine trial volunteers needed

Our colleagues at Wessex research hubs are currently looking for volunteers to take part in clinical trials for a Bird Flu vaccine. They’re looking for people aged 18 – 65 to take part, time and travel expenses will be paid. For more information and to register your interest please email uhd.bournemouthresearchhub@nhs.net

New podcasts now available

A couple local organisations release regular podcasts that may be interesting for you:

• Wessex Cancer Alliance have launched a series of short podcasts on the National Cancer Plan. To listen to all episodes click on the following link: The National Cancer Plan Podcast Series: an overview with Wessex Cancer Alliance - YouTube
• Dorset Women CIC’s popular podcase series is back and the latest episode is on the topic of Improving Access to Sex & Sexual Health Services. To listen to this and all episodes please click on the following link: https://dorsetwomen.org.uk/speaking-of-womens-health-podcast/

iPhone giveaway scam

A scam email impersonating O2 tells you that you've won an iPhone 15 Pro and simply need to complete 'a quick 4 minute survey' to receive this 'fantastic prize' is doing the rounds. You will not be entered into a prize draw and will instead go to a phishing website designed to take your personal details and payment information. You can report scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk  and malicious websites to the National Cyber Security Centre: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/report-scam-website