Carer Support Dorset have now officially opened their service for unpaid carers of over 18s across Dorset in a celebration at their new offices.

The organisation will be a central point of contact for carers – whether by phone or through the website www.carersupportdorset.co.uk – and the  team will now be able to signpost carers to services that they can benefit from, be that carers cafes, or referrals for a carers assessment.

And the organisation says it will be covering all of Dorset – including the north of the county.

Judy Walker, Chief Executive for Carer Support Dorset, said: ‘We are delighted to officially launch Carer Support Dorset and would encourage anyone who thinks they may be a carer to get in touch with us. We can put carers in touch with organisations that can help them in their caring role, whether that’s through financial assistance, respite or simply a befriending service. We cover the whole of the Dorset Council area including Gillingham, Shaftesbury and the north Dorset villages.’

Mathew Kendall, Executive Director for Adults & Housing at Dorset Council said: ‘I am delighted that Carer Support Dorset, following a busy period of planning with council officers and partners, are the first point of contact service for an estimated 1 in 10 people who are carers in the county.

‘This is an important new and additional resource for unpaid carers, helping them to find their way around the systems and to have someone to talk to about their caring role. We look forward to a successful and positive partnership with them, our partners and local communities to enhance our early intervention and support to carers. Being a voice for carers, Carer Support Dorset will also help to make sure that health, leisure, cultural and social care in Dorset are carer aware and carer friendly.’

On its website the organisation says its role includes providing:

• Information, advice and signposting to support services
• Advice on local support groups and carer cafes
• Information on the Carers Card scheme in Dorset
• Opportunities to get involved and shape services
• Newsletters and what’s on guides
• Regular e-newsletters delivered to your inbox to keep you connected with news, what’s on locally and information on services and support available
• Connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Anyone who thinks that they are a carer should call Carer Support Dorset on 0800 368 8349 or visit www.carersupportdorset.co.uk to find out more.