Dorset Council’s Community Conversations

During summer and autumn 2026, Dorset Council is hosting a series of meetings across the county, which 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 the council can work more closely with communities by exploring local challenges and opportunities, and shaping solutions together. Locations include Bridport, Beaminster and Dorchester. For more information and to register to get involved please click on the following link: Community Conversations - Dorset Council

Information day for people with low vision/sight loss

Dorset Blind Association are holding a free information event on Saturday 21th November from 10am – 2pm for anyone affected by sight loss. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with sight loss, have been living with a visual impairment for many years, or you’re supporting a loved one, Dorset Blind Association’s Low Vision Day is an opportunity to discover what’s available to help people live independently and confidently. The event takes place at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester and will feature specialists, exhibitors and support organisations from across Dorset. For more information please click on the following link: Discover the latest support for living with sight loss at Dorset Blind Association's Low Vision Day - Dorset Blind Association

Petition to appoint a Young Carer Champion in every school

Vikki Slade MP has started a petition to support carers who are still at school through the creation of Young Carer Champions in every school in England. There are over 2,500 signatures so far, to add your signature please click on the following link: Petition · Appoint a Young Carers Champion in every School in England - United Kingdom · Change.org.

For more information and to read the story behind the campaign please click here: Every Young Carer Deserves a Champion. Help Us Make It Happen.  | MYTIME Young Carers

Dorset Community Action – energy outreach project

 The wonderful team at DCA is working on a project around fuel poverty. The training, which is aimed at staff and volunteers working with vulnerable members of the public, trains front-line workers to understand what fuel poverty is, how people are affected by it and what to do to help them. Every participant is sent a comprehensive pack of information after the course to help them to refer and signpost people to help.

 DCA is working in partnership with Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck to train all kinds of frontline workers. It is a fully funded project and so there is no charge for you.

 The training is ideal for all kinds of NHS Dorset front line staff,

although as many people will already know how people are affected by fuel poverty and will know about the Citizens Advice and other organisations taking referrals, I would suggest that we offer two be-spoke sessions:

A "refresher" of 30 minutes for people with prior knowledge, concentrating on how to help people, what help is available and how to make referrals.

A longer session with a bit more background for people who are newer to the subject.

A message from Caro Hart DCA Community Training Consultant:

 Both of these sessions can be run online or in-person and we can run them as part of an existing team meeting (the shorter one is probably better for that) or separately. We can manage the logistics through our Eventbrite page.

 We also have several more generic open online sessions that we are running over the next few months which are listed on our Eventbrite page; Energy Outreach Project SW England. Your people are of course most welcome to book on to those, but they may be a bit low level for your teams.

 I would be happy to have a chat about this and how we can deliver it. If you are able to put a short article in a newsletter, please let me know and I will send one.

 I am very grateful for your help with promoting this training.

Health & Community Event – Friday 16 October 2026

Volunteer Centre Dorset has extended an invitation to register to attend the Health & Community Partnership Event, taking place on Friday, 16 October at the Baptist Church (Dorford Centre) in Dorchester. (Please note: places for this event are limited)

We are bringing together Primary Care, Dorset County Hospital (DCH), community health services and Dorset's voluntary and community sector to help build more joined-up pathways between hospital, primary care and the community.

The idea for this event began from a need to better connect hospital and wider health workers with community colleagues to support patients to successfully return home from hospital, avoid an unplanned admissions, prevent patients escalating into crisis. 

We understand that for many health professionals supporting people well in the community increasingly means helping with many of the wider challenges affecting patients – loneliness, housing, financial hardship, caring responsibilities, transport, digital exclusion or simply struggling to cope at home.

This event is about making those connections easier. So come meet the people behind those services and develop relationships that make it easier to know who to contact, where to refer and what support is available.

During the morning we will explore:

Unpaid carers – recognising carers and connecting them with support in hospital and in the community.

Hospital to home – how DCH, Primary Care, community services and the VCS can work together to support successful discharge and recovery.

Prevention and avoiding readmission – connecting people with practical and preventative support before difficulties escalate.

Neighbourhood working – strengthening the relationships between Primary Care, community health services and local organisations that will underpin more joined-up neighbourhood care.

What's available in our communities – meeting organisations addressing wider determinants of health including loneliness, housing, poverty, transport and digital exclusion.

 Who should attend?

We would particularly welcome Social Prescribers, Care Coordinators, Practice Managers, PCN Clinical Directors, Frailty Leads, Occupational Therapists and other health and care colleagues involved in supporting people with complex needs, prevention, discharge, frailty and neighbourhood working.

 We hope you can join us. Please register to attend and come away with new contacts, clearer pathways and a better understanding of the community support available to your patients.

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.