Healthwatch surveys – Your opportunity to give feedback!  

Healthwatch is currently running a couple surveys giving you the chance to share your views:

• The first one is GP access – One of Healthwatch Dorset’s top priorities this year is to find out how the national changes to the GP contract are impacting people in Dorset. They would love to hear your experiences, whether good, bad, or indifferent. Please click on the following link to access the survey: Share your experience online
• Leaving the hospital is an important milestone in a person’s healthcare journey. But it isn’t always a smooth experience. Delays, inadequate support and confusing information are affecting people’s discharge experiences – and hampering their recovery. Healthwatch want to understand how the hospital discharge process can be made better for patients and their carers. If you or someone you know has had a delayed or difficult hospital discharge please click on the following link to access the survey: Survey: Delayed or Difficult Hospital Discharge

Health & Community Partnership Event – 16^th October 2026

Volunteer Centre Dorset are holding a Health & Community Partnership Event on Friday 16^th October from 9am – 1pm. The event will feature community services and support already helping patients at the point of discharge, at home, preventing readmissions and improving recovery. Along with meeting the people behind those services there is the opportunity to make contacts that could be a real difference to your patients - and your day-to-day work. For more information and to book a space please click on the following link: Volunteer Centre Dorset - Health & Community Partnership Event - 16 October 2026

Carers cancer survey

Our friends at Wessex Cancer Alliance want to better understand the experiences of the unpaid carers who are affected by cancer. It’s an area where nationally and locally they lack insight.  Many people do not think of themselves as a ‘carer’ and do not see themselves as needing the care and support they deserve. Yet we know that caring for someone with cancer can be challenging, tiring and often invisible. Many care-givers tell us they simply “get on with it” and are not always asked how things are for them. For more information and to take part in the survey please click on the following link: Cancer carers' survey 

Still time to get involved in a community conversation near you!

During summer and autumn 2026, Dorset Council is hosting a series of community conversations in 13 different locations across the county. The sessions will bring together local organisations, town and parish councils, councillors, health partners and council staff for open and honest conversations. The aim is to understand how Dorset Council can work more closely with communities by exploring local challenges and opportunities, and shaping solutions together. The sessions will be friendly and welcoming and we will make sure that everyone’s voice is heard. After each conversation we will update this page with the themes that are raised. If you represent a voluntary or community sector organisation and are interested in being involved, please click on the following link to register your interest: 

Community Conversations Expression of Interest Form.

Free online legal sessions on medical negligence 

You don't need to be sure that you have a case to take part. The sessions offer an opportunity to discuss your circumstances and ask questions with an experienced lawyer. Each confidential session will last around 30 minutes to one hour.

Sessions are available on:

·         Tuesday 13 October 2026, 10am–2pm

·         Thursday 15 October 2026, 6pm–9pm

·         To book a session or find out more, contact Dominic Smith at Dominic.Smith@slatergordon.uk

Why patient trust matters to technology & data in healthcare

Our fifth webinar of Patient Partnership Week 2026 explored why patient trust must be at the heart of how healthcare organisations use AI and data.

Read the Blog

An introduction to continuing healthcare

Hear from our continuing healthcare experts about:

• What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?
• What are the eligibility criteria
• Dispelling the myths surrounding continuing healthcare
• How you can prepare for funding assessment
• Ask our experts about continuing healthcare - Q&A.

Book now

Help improve research for ALS/MND patients

This is your opportunity to give your feedback on a clinical trial for ALS. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is looking for adults who live in the UK and have lived experience as a patient or carer of ALS/MND.

Register your interest

Could Hospital Discharge Be Better? Share Your Experience with Healthwatch England

Healthwatch England wants to learn more about your experience of being discharged from the hospital, to highlight where and how this process can be improved.

Take the Survey

New Campaign Highlights How Where You Live Impacts Life Expectancy

The Patients Association is supporting the Health Equals campaign in calling for a change in the law to tackle health inequalities.  Check your postcode, explore the campaign and find out how you can get involved

Find out more

Take Part In the Great British Bone Checker  

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose strength and become more likely to break. Over 3.5 million people in the UK are currently living with the condition.

It’s never too early or too late to start looking after your bones. The Royal Osteoporosis Society's free risk checker gives personalised bone health results in less than three minutes.

The bone checker is not for people who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or had their bone health assessed by a healthcare professional. But the society has lots of information and support for you here.

Healthy Movers – a programme for children in Dorset

The Healthy Movers programme, commissioned by Public Health Dorset and in partnership with Youth Sport Trust aims to support two to five-year-olds physical literacy, development and wellbeing, helping them gain a better start in life. The free programme helps and supports early years practitioners and families in recognising the progress children can make with their physical literacy, which supports their confidence, motivation and resilience. For more information or to register interest in participating in the programme please see the attached poster or contact Laura Roberts: lroberts@activedorset.org 

Wessex Cancer Alliance survey – understanding the experiences of people who support or care for those affected by cancer

Many people do not think of themselves as a ‘carer’ and do not see themselves as needing the care and support they deserve. Yet we know that caring for someone with cancer can be challenging, tiring and often invisible. Many care-givers tell us they simply “get on with it” and are not always asked how things are for them.

To recognise and support carers better, we are asking people to share these experiences via this survey.  It will be open until the end of October 2026.

It will help us understand what really matters to carers, what makes their life easier or harder, and where support is missing. Their experiences will be used to help improve local services, shape future support, and make sure carers are better recognised, listened to and supported.

Taking part is voluntary. Answers will be anonymous and kept confidential. For more information visit: www.wessexcanceralliance.nhs.uk/cancer-carer-project/.

Every response will help us build a clearer picture of what caring is really like.  Please take part if this applies to you and/or please do share this widely with your networks.

Free telephone call blockers for vulnerable people in Dorset

Dorset Police and Age UK North, South and West Dorset have successfully launched a call blocker initiative that is protecting elderly and vulnerable residents from scammers and nuisance callers. People considered vulnerable, have memory issues/dementia, have a long-term health condition or live alone can have a free device fitted. For more information please click on the following link: Truecall Call Blocker Service or call 01305 269444 

On Track 2026 – free wellbeing event for Veterans & all in the Armed Forces community

On Track, a dedicated wellbeing event recognising the unique experiences and challenges faced by those in and around the armed forces will be taking place on Thursday 8^th October at the Tank Museum. The event is designed for all members of the armed forces community – including regulars and reserves, service families, the bereaved, service leavers, veterans, and anyone connected to life in the forces. The focus of On Track is on community, celebrating the power of positive, supportive communities and their impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or someone close to you or simply want to learn more about the resources available, On Track is here to help. For more information and to reserve a ticket please click on the following link: https://tankmuseum.org/events/on-track/

Looking back at Patient Partnership Week 2026

Last month saw the fourth annual Patient Partnership Week. During the week, The Patients Association covered a broad range of topics that matter the most to patients right now, including poor communication, health inequalities, trust and much more. 

Across seven sessions, one message came through again and again: patients still don't feel like equal partners in their own care. We heard about health inequalities rooted in trust, digital exclusion preventing people from booking appointments, and the financial cost of travelling to appointments. We heard hope, humility and curiosity named as the things that actually shift power to patients. Above all, we heard that listening only matters if it leads to action.

All recordings are now available on our website, and you can catch up via the link below.

Webinar recordings

Help to redesign communications framework

The Patient Association is working in partnership with Picker and Cora Health to review and redesign Cora Health’s Patient Communication Framework, looking at when and how they communicate with patients, as well as the purpose and content of those communications.

Cora Health is an independent provider of healthcare services to the NHS across England.

They are looking for ten patients who live with an MSK condition or have received care within a community MSK service in the past 1-2 years to take part in two online focus groups in August and September. MSK conditions include arthritis, low back pain, neck pain, spinal conditions, joint conditions, muscle, tendon, and nerve conditions. 

Express your interest

Government launches 'Big Conversation on Care'

The new Prime Minister has announced that he would bring forward Baroness Louise Casey's review of social care. Following this, Baroness Casey launched 'The Big Conversation' - an online portal which gives patients, carers and the public the opportunity to share what they feel needs to change to improve social care in England.

The portal will be open until April 2027, and no sign-up is required to take part. Through the portal, you can submit your own proposals and vote on those made by others. If you are interested in contributing your thoughts, please follow the link below. 

Share your views here

New report from Understanding Patient Data

Understanding Patient Data, an organisation that supports conversations with the public, patients and healthcare professionals about the use of health information, has published its new report: Understanding Patient Data in 2026: navigating public confidence in a changing health data system. Key findings include:

·         Public understanding has not kept pace with the changing health data landscape. 

·         There is no single 'public' – confidence is shaped by people's experiences and perspectives. 

·         Opt-out is often an expression of concern and agency rather than rejection of health data use. 

·         Public confidence is built on clear public benefit, trusted stewardship, visible governance and meaningful public involvement. 

If you're interested in learning more about Understanding Patient Data's findings, you can read the report below.

Read the report

Public consultation - proposed reforms to fireworks regulations

Today, the UK Government has launched a public consultation to seek views on proposed reforms to fireworks regulations, including a reduction in the maximum noise level of consumer fireworks.

Public consultations are open to anyone. Charities, businesses, local groups and individuals can all respond. The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 8 October.

View information regarding the consultation here.

Respond to the consultation here. 

NHS App update and webinar

Join the National NHS App webinar, use the new promotional toolkit to let people know what the NHS App can do for them, and find out about the repeat medicines requesting pilot in your July update.

The next NHS App national webinar is on Wednesday 29 July, 11:30am-12:30pm, where the NHS App team will share updates on:

the NHS App roadmap

prescriptions and medicines in the App

a pilot for a feature that gives patients the ability to update their address in the App

GP online registration adoption

Sign up here by 11:55pm on Tuesday 28^th July to attend

Young people urged to book lifesaving meningitis jab

Hundreds of thousands of students heading to university this autumn are being urged by the NHS to book a potentially lifesaving MenB vaccine before term starts, with appointments available from 20 July.

Patients can see their vaccine history in the NHS App under ‘Appointments’ in their ‘Appointment notes and other updates’. Some patients can also see this in ‘Vaccinations’ under ‘Your Vaccinations’ depending on their GP surgery.

Read the full press release.

Dorset Police – increase in rogue trader activity across Dorset

We have seen an increase in reports of rogue traders operating across Dorset. These criminals often target homeowners, particularly older and vulnerable residents, and use high-pressure sales tactics to persuade people to agree to unnecessary or poor-quality work.

Common Rogue Trader Tactics

Be wary of anyone who cold calls at your door offering home repairs or maintenance. Legitimate traders do not usually obtain work by knocking on doors uninvited.

• Common tactics include:
• Claiming they have noticed damage to your roof, guttering, driveway, or property.
• Showing you photographs of supposed damage which may be fake or unrelated to your home.
• Saying they have been working locally and have "materials left over", allowing them to do the work at a discounted price.
• Pressuring you to make an immediate decision.
• Asking for cash payments or large upfront deposits.
• Offering to drive you to your bank to withdraw money.

How to Protect Yourself

•  Never agree to work from a cold caller.
•  Always obtain at least three quotes before committing to any work.
•  Use tradespeople recommended by friends, family, or recognised approved trader schemes.
•  Ask for a written quotation before any work begins.
•  Never pay cash if it can be avoided.
•  Never agree to make an immediate payment or sign a contract on the spot.
•  Speak to a trusted friend or family member before making any decisions.
•  Do not rely solely on an ID card shown to you. Verify the trader independently by contacting their company using a telephone number from their official website or other trusted source.
•  Remember that a genuine business will not pressure you into making an immediate financial decision.

Have You Been a Victim?

If you have made a payment to a rogue trader:

• Contact your bank immediately on 159. They may be able to help prevent further losses.
• Check your bank statements regularly for any unusual transactions.
• Report the incident to the relevant authorities.

Beware of Recovery Scams

Fraudsters sometimes contact previous victims claiming they can help recover lost money for a fee. This is a second scam.

❌ Never pay anyone who claims they can recover your money.

❌ Hang up on unexpected callers making such claims.

Please Share This Message

Look out for friends, family members, and neighbours, especially those who may be vulnerable. Sharing this advice could help prevent someone from becoming a victim.

Remember: Stop! Think Fraud. Don't let them in and don't agree to any work on the doorstep.

Free activity sessions with Access Dorset  

Our colleagues at Access Dorset are pleased to share an opportunity that may benefit adults of mixed abilities or people experiencing loneliness and isolation. Access Dorset is offering free trial sessions across a range of inclusive activities designed to build confidence, connection, and enjoyment in a welcoming environment.

If you know individuals, families, carers, or organisations who might be interested, please pass this offer on. Your support in circulating it helps to reach people who may not otherwise hear about accessible opportunities like these.

Download and view an information leaflet here.

For any questions or to book a place, please contact enquiries@accessdorset.org.uk

The national charity for the Neighbourhood Watch Movement is seeking new Trustees – could you be one of them?

Neighbourhood Watch Network, the national charity supporting the Neighbourhood Watch movement across England and Wales, is seeking new trustees to join our Board.

 As a trustee, you'll help shape the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring we continue to support safer, stronger, and more connected communities. It's a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference while developing your leadership and governance experience.

We're looking for people who share our values, are passionate about community safety, and can commit around 10 hours a month. Previous trustee experience isn't essential—we welcome first-time trustees and are keen to build a diverse Board that reflects the communities we serve.

If you're interested in learning more, we'd be delighted to arrange an informal conversation with one of our current trustees before you apply.

Applications close on Friday 31 July.

To find out more, please read our CharityJob listing.

AMBER heat health alert for South West – Wednesday 8 July at 8pm until Sunday 12 July at 9pm

The UKHSA has upgraded the heat health alert for South West England from yellow to amber from Wednesday 8 July at 9am until Sunday 12 July at 9pm.

The amber alert has a matrix score of 12. This means:

Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including:

• a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups
• likely increased demand on all health and social care services
• internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment
• the heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services
• indoor environments overheating increasing the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings
• issues managing medicines
• staffing issues due to external factors (for example, affecting transport)
• increased demand for power exceeding capacity
• other sector starting to observe impacts (for example, travel delays)
• water-related incidents may increase, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning

Please see the link to the guidance, which provides advice for everyone on how to stay safe during hot weather, including how to keep your home cool. 

Beat the heat: advice for hot weather - GOV.UK

SEND Stormbreak Activities

Stormbreak are dedicated to supporting all primary-aged children in building the emotional tools to face life’s challenges.  In collaboration with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) specialists, the team have been working hard to create some more supportive resources and materials for children with SEND.

Research suggests that up to 40% of children with SEND face mental health difficulties, with prevalence depending on the type and severity of need. Early intervention and tailored support are essential. Stormbreak are pleased to be able to share the outcomes of this work and would like to say a massive thank you to the children and staff at Winchelsea who played a huge role in its creation. 

 Please share this resource far and wide with anyone who you think may find this useful.

Children and Young People – Learning Disabilities Annual Health Check Summer Campaign

Following the success of last year's Children and Young People (CYP) Learning Disability Annual Health Check campaign, we're delighted to be launching this year's summer campaign as part of our ongoing work to reduce health inequalities. Thanks to the fantastic support of our colleagues, more children and young people are receiving their Annual Health Checks. However, we know there is still more we can do to ensure every eligible young person has the opportunity to benefit from this important check.

 This summer, NHS Dorset is encouraging children and young people with a learning disability, aged between 14-25 and their families and carers, to book and attend their Annual Health Check with their GP practice. We would be very grateful if you could help us spread the word by sharing the attached campaign resources with the young people, families, and carers you support, and through your newsletters, websites, and social media channels where possible.

 Thank you for your continued support in helping us improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people with a learning disability across Dorset.

Yellow Heat Health Alert issued for the south-west

A yellow heat health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the south-west from midday on Saturday 4^th July until 5pm on Wednesday 8^th July. A yellow warning affects vulnerable people (E.g. the elderly with multiple health conditions and on multiple medications) and are likely to struggle to cope as the temperature rises. As we’ve seen recently, the alert may escalate or last for a longer time.

To follow the latest heat health alerts please visit the UKHSA website and

Learn more about coping in the hot weather. 

How to stay healthy while wild swimming

Sticking with the UKHSA, they have received some reports of people suffering from gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses linked to wild swimming and have an article about staying healthy while swimming in the sea, lakes or rivers. 

Read more.

Take part in exciting activities to help raise funds for the Friendly Food Club

The Friendly Food Club have recently added some exciting new challenges to their events calendar that will help raise funds for the charity. Events include Snowden (Yr Wyddfa) at night, Three Peaks Challenge, London to Amsterdam Cycle Ride, and Skydiving. Across Dorset, more than 380,000 people are at medium to high risk of food insecurity. This means that they don’t have access to enough healthy, nutritious food that is needed for growth, development and living healthy lives. By taking part in these challenges, you will be raising money that will give them the skills and confidence to change that. For more information please visit their website: https://www.thefriendlyfoodclub.org/challenge-events

Healthwatch Dorset’s Annual Report for 2025/26

Our friends at Healthwatch Dorset have published their annual report that highlights how they listened to over 6,000 people last year, supporting them to have their say to improve health and social care and to get information and advice about local services. You can view their report here: 

Speaking up for better care: Annual Report 2025/26 | Healthwatch Dorset

Opportunity to help the Patients Association better engage with patients

The Patients Association is reviewing how it engages with and supports patients to make sure they are reaching and hearing from as many people as possible. To help us do this, they are working with an organisation called White Tail, who will be running an online focus group on Thursday 16^th July from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. The focus group will take place on MS Teams and a link will be emailed to participants. As a thank you for your time, people will be offered an £80 voucher. For more information and to register your interest in participating please complete a expression of interest: 

Expression of interest: Patients Association Operational Review Survey

Dorset Women CiC July focus - Let’s talk Pelvic Health

Pelvic Health was the No.2 issue that women in Dorset wanted to know about when Dorset Women CiC conducted research, and yet it's something many women only think about when something goes wrong - but it is a vital part of overall wellbeing at every age and stage of life. You can read more about the importance of pelvic health and explore their website (including their popular podcasts) here.

Cool Spaces directory

Many of us are aware of information about warm spaces available in the colder months, but with recent heatwaves affecting Dorset and the prospective for more hot weather to come there is an urgent need to compile a directory of cool spaces. Our friends at Help & Kindness are putting together a list of spaces where people can go during the hot weather, giving them respite from the heat outside.

Visit the cool spaces directory here.

To add a venue to the directory please contact: hello@helpandkindness.co.uk or call 01305 595958.

 Community Conversations 2026

This summer, Dorset Council is bringing together voluntary, community and faith sector partners, along with Town and Parish Council’s and health organisations, for a series of Community Conversations events. These are not formal consultations. They are open, honest discussions about how we work together and how we can do things better. More information is in the attached poster, to register an interest in being part of the community conversations please click on the following link: Community Conversations Expression of Interest Form.

Wessex Water community drop-in sessions

Wessex Water are holding a number of public drop-in sessions, giving people the chance to speak with a Customer Adviser who will act as the point of contact for your local community. They can answer questions about your bill, refer people for support if they’re struggling to pay their bill, provide advice on saving water and avoiding blockages and answer questions about water quality, plumbing and drainage. Their drop-in sessions take place across Dorset including Bournemouth, Bridport, Dorchester, Poole, Portland and Weymouth. For more information about where and when the sessions are taking place, please click on the following link and use the interactive map:  https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/community-drop-ins

 ASCape - Autism Spectrum Community support and activities in Dorset

ASCape provides autism and anxiety-friendly groups and activities for children and organises events and forums to bring parents and carers together in a supportive, non-judgmental and understanding space. Their face-to-face sessions are based in the Bridport/west-Dorset area but have resources and support available for people across Dorset. No official diagnosis is needed to join a session or access resources.

For more information please visit their website. 

Latest Healthy Happy Newsletter now available

The latest issue of ‘Health Happy Living’ (a newsletter created by the PPGs in Weymouth and Portland but suitable for people across Dorset) has been published. Articles in this issue includes the power of social prescribing, introducing Park Walk (part of Park Run), and summer seasonal eating.

Read the newsletter here.   

Dorset Sinfonia summer concert

Dorset Sinfonia is an amateur classical orchestra drawing on the talents of musicians from throughout Dorset. They play three concerts per year, their summer concert is on 11^th July from 6pm in Dorchester and will feature a medley of familiar tunes from the screen, stage and video gaming. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children.

Learn more here.   

Patient Partnership Week 2026

Healthcare works best when patients are treated as partners.  That’s why The Patients Association is inviting you to join them for a week of free webinars bringing together patients, professionals, policymakers and researchers to explore what meaningful partnership looks like in practice, where progress is being made, and what still needs to change.

From tackling health inequalities and improving communication, to strengthening trust, supporting shared decision-making and making the most of innovation and data, each session will explore how putting what matters to people at the heart of care can help build a health system that works better for everyone. 

Sessions taking place between 29th June and 3rd July include: 

Understanding the causes of health inequalities and the role of trust in improving outcomes 
29 June | 3:45–4:45pm
Book now

Unlocking patient engagement with the People and Communities guidelines 
30 June | 9–10am
Book now

Do patients’ goals, values, and preferences really shape their care? 
30 June | 4–5pm
Book now

Power to the people? The 10 Year Health Plan, one year on 
1 July | 11am–12pm
Book now

Why prioritising patient trust increases the value of using technology and data to improve research and care 
2 July | 12:30–1:30pm
Book now

Equity in access: tackling barriers to treatment and care 
3 July | 10–11am
Book now

Getting through: fixing how NHS communicates with patients 
3 July | 2–3pm
Book now

Your views on Social Prescriving

The Patients Association is running a survey with the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP), a national charity that champions social prescribing.

They want to hear from you if you have ever had support from a Social Prescribing Link Worker, which is someone who spends time with you to understand your needs and co-develops a plan with you to connect to non-medical support, improving your health and wellbeing, and to your community.  

We want to learn about your experiences, and with this information, NASP can ensure its strategy supports the provision of the best and most appropriate social prescribing services for all.

Use this link to complete the survey, which closes at midnight on 26th June.

New NHS data reveals thousands of patients continue to receive unsafe and undignified corridor care 

Earlier this month, NHS England published corridor care data for the first time, something the Patients Association has long called for.

On average, there were almost 3,000 instances every day in May where patients were waiting or being treated in clinically unsafe and undignified spaces. 

Behind every single one of those instances is a real person; frightened, in pain, uncertain whether anyone is coming. Feeling forgotten at the very moment they are most vulnerable. No privacy. No dignity. And evidence shows that corridor care leads to worse outcomes, delayed treatment, missed observations, and greater risk of harm. 

Read The Patients Association statement on this topic.

Power to the people? The 10 Year Health Plan, one year on

You are invited to a webinar exploring progress towards the 10 Year Health Plan’s ambition to give “power to the people” by strengthening patient voice, expanding choice and putting people’s experiences of care at the centre of reform.  

Facilitated by Dr Rageshri Dhairyawan, NHS doctor and author of Unheard: The Medical Practice of Silencing, the event will bring together panellists to reflect on progress made so far and discuss how person-centred care can become a reality in a reformed health service.

Register to attend here.

Amber Heat Health Alert issued for the south-west

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an Amber Heat Health Alert for the south-west of England until 23^rd June. This means younger people and those aged over 65 are at higher risk due to the heat and health & social care services will normally have a higher demand on services than normal amongst others. To follow the latest heat health alerts please visit the UKHSA website: https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/heat and for information about coping in the hot weather please click the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/ 

Connect to work scheme in Dorset

Connect to Work is a fully funded programme designed to support individuals who face barriers to employment due to health conditions, disabilities, or other challenges. They offer tailored, one-to-one support, working at each person’s pace to help them build confidence, develop skills, and ultimately move into suitable, sustainable employment. They also work closely with local employers and services to ensure a joined-up approach. They work across the whole of Dorset so if you know anyone who would like to work but are facing issues doing so, please get in touch with them. People can self-refer or others (including Social Prescribers and Care Coordinators) can make a referral through their website: https://www.skillsandlearningace.com/connect-to-work-dorset/ or drop Sarah an email: sarahcurtis@salbcp.com

 Invitation to opening of SEND4’s new home in Wimborne

SEND4’s new home in Blind Lane in Wimborne is a space with deep military roots and now has a renewed purpose as a safe, inclusive environment for children and young people with SEND. You’re invited to the opening of the space on Wednesday 8^th July from 11am, more information is in the attached poster or contact Amy Walton: hello@awsvc.co.uk.

• To book a space at the opening please use the following link: From  Drill  Hall to Safe Haven: Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Future Tickets, Wednesday, July 8  •  11 AM - 2 PM | Eventbrite 
• For more information about SEND4 visit their website: https://send4.co.uk/

Patient Partnership Week 2026

The Patients Association’s Patient Partnership Week runs from 29^th June – 3^rd July and is a moment to focus on a simple but powerful truth – healthcare  works best when patients are treated as partners. Across the week there will be a number of informative webinars on subjects including ‘Do patients’ goals, values, and preferences really shape their care?’ and ‘Unlocking patient engagement with the People and Communities guidelines’ amongst others.

• For more information about week and the webinars available please use the following link: https://www.patients-association.org.uk/patient-partnership-week-2026

“Ask Damian” - Dorset Police’s 24/7 telephone fraud advice service

Ask Damian is Dorset Police's new service designed to be easy to use and available at any time. It offers advice on all types of fraud, aiming to spot scams early and encourage simple steps to prevent financial loss. It and can also translate into different languages, making it accessible to a wide range of people across Dorset. The system can also send a follow-up text message, giving callers a summary of the advice they received. To access the service call 01202 144688.

Be aware - fraudsters posing as the Fire Service in Dorset

Following on from the above update – A warning has been issued as fraudsters claiming to be from the emergency services are offering to visit homes in the county. There have been fraudulent emails circulating claiming to be from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) claiming residents could be fined £500 for not having working fire alarms fitted. This is of course not true. The Fire Service do offer fire safety visits to households and can fit smoke alarms, which is free of charge. Fire Service staff will also carry ID. For more information and to request a fire safety visit please click on the following link: https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits/ or call 0800 0382323.

 Information about NAPP – National Association of Patient Participation

Many of you will have heard of NAPP, the national organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting patient-led groups in GP practices. At their last AGM in November 2025 the organisation agreed that it will no longer continue and has since been dissolved. Any people or GP practices looking for information, support or resources for PPGs can visit the current PPG page on the NHS Dorset website: https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/voice/ppg/ or the Patients Association website: Patient Participation Groups | The Patients Association

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.