Social Prescribing Resource Sheet:
Carers

 

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Carers Support

This resource sheet includes a selection of services, tools, and organisations that others have found helpful.

If you require further support in accessing these, or other services, please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943 or email JCSocialPrescribing@dorsetgp.nhs.uk.

coronavirus_6

Social Prescribing is available at your GP Surgery

No referral needed; contact us directly to see if we can support you in your caring role, access practical and emotional supports, or connect you to local services.

  • Registering as a carer
  • Assessments & benefits
  • Learning & training
  • Mental health support
  • Important contacts
 

Registering as a Carer

You can register with the GP by informing them at any time.

Carers Support Dorset

Carers Support Dorset is an organisation to help carers to access services, information, education and training, respite and breaks from their caring role. They hold regular Carer support meetings in the community, as well as helplines to support and advise you on your caring role and a “Money Matters” team to support with the financial side.

You can register yourself to Carers Support Dorset or a professional may do it on your behalf. Once registered you will receive information on Carers Support Dorset and how they can support you. You can also opt in to receive an initial phone call to discuss your situation and you can also choose to receive a “carers card” that entitles you to discounts at some retailers.

Phone: 0800 368 8349

Website: carersupportdorset.co.uk

Adult Social Care Assessments

As an unpaid Carer you are entitled to a Carers Assessment. This is a discussion about your caring role and how it is balanced with your own health and wellbeing needs. It is to look at your own goals and improving areas that you feel require change. It will establish your eligibility for financial support as well.

You can request a Carers Assessment through Carers Support Dorset, by contacting the Adult Access team direct at Dorset Council or using the online tool “Bridgit”.

Adult Access Team (Dorset Council)

Request your unpaid Carer’s Assessment to review your caring role, wellbeing needs, and eligibility for financial support.

Phone: 01305 221016

Website: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/adult-access

Bridgit online tool

Online portal for requesting and managing your Carer’s Assessment.

Access via: Bridgit

Benefits & Grants

You may qualify for Carers allowance for more information: www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

The Carers trust has information on grants available to carers and their cared for persons. For more information: www.carers.org/grants-and-discounts/introduction

Organisations such as Carers support Dorset, Age UK or Citizens Advice Bureau can help with making applications.

Carer’s Allowance

Financial support you may qualify for if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week.

Website: gov.uk/carers-allowance

Carers Trust Grants

Information on grants available to carers and the people they care for.

Website: carers.org/grants-and-discounts

Learning Opportunities

Many unpaid carers have had no previous experience of being in a caring role. There are many areas of the role that can benefit from extra learning to ensure that you and your loved one feel confident.

Open University – Caring for Adults

Free online course to build confidence in your caring role.

Link: open.edu/openlearncreate/course/view.php?id=2171

Open University – Physical Activity & Wellbeing

Learn how to look after your own health and wellbeing as a carer.

Link: open.edu/openlearn/physical-activity-health-and-wellbeing

Alzheimer's Society - CRISP (Carer Information & Support Programme)

Helps carers of people with dementia access information, support meetings and respite.

Contact: 07719 074485

Email: crispbswd@alzheimers.org.uk

Support for Carers

The Leonardo Trust

The Leonardo Trust is another carer support resource you may be able to get assistance from. Their services include grants to help fund respite and home adaptions, courses and information sessions and short breaks. They can also offer carers counselling. 

Phone: 01202 698325

Website: leonardotrust.org

Live Well Dorset

Maintaining your physical health is also important. Live Well Dorset offer coaching and advice on moving more, managing your weight, support to stop smoking and drink less alcohol. 

Phone: 0800 840 1628

Website: livewelldorset.co.uk

Mental Health Support

Caring for a loved one can be a difficult time. Counselling and talking therapy can be a good first step in managing feelings and expectations. Below are a few services that individuals can self-refer to. If further assistance is needed in respect to Mental health, do contact the GP or Social Prescribing team direct.

Steps2Wellbeing

Free NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety, depression and self-help in Dorset.

Website: steps2wellbeing.co.uk

Prout Bridge Counselling

Free confidential face-to-face counselling in Beaminster for adults.

Phone: 07503 091932

Website: proutbridgeproject.com/counselling

The Altering Group

Low-cost remote counselling sessions on a sliding scale, initial assessment free.

Website: thealteringgroup.co.uk

Other Important Contacts

Citizens Advice Bureau

Phone: 0800 144 8848

Website: citizensadvice.org.uk

Carers UK

Phone: 020 7378 4999

Website: carersuk.org

Age UK

Phone: 0800 055 6112

Website: ageuk.org.uk

 

Further Information

While we hope you may find something here that supports you, please note that these resources are not all officially endorsed by the NHS. We endeavour to ensure that all listings are accurate and up to date, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this at all times.

If you are a local service, organisation or group that would like to be included in this guide, please contact us via secure online form and tell us about your support offering.

Last updated: August 2025.