‘If a carer in Dorset would like support, they can register with Carer Support Dorset. We listen to carers and connect them to services from Dorset Council, as well as national and local charities, voluntary organisations, and a wealth of other resources.’

– Poppy, Carer Support Dorset

Carers can self-refer

• Freephone: 0800 368 8349
• Online: Register as a Carer

Thanks to recent funding, Carer Support Dorset (CSD) offer a wide range of support including:

• Understanding your rights as a carer
• Accessing the Forward Carers Carer Friendly ID Card, offering various discounts across the county
• Informing on support options to give you a break from caring responsibilities
• Providing personalised financial support, including benefits and debt advice, energy-saving guidance, and help to balance work or education with your caring role, via our Carer Money Matters service
• Advising on hospital admission and discharge, including accessing a ‘Carer Passport’ for use in hospitals, which provides benefits such as discounts, parking assistance
• Informing about local carers’ groups
• Signposting to resources to help manage the impact of caring and support emotional well-being, including access to free counselling services from The Leonardo Trust
• Sending regular newsletters with updates on local events
• Supporting you when your caring role comes to an end, including help after the loss of the person you care for
• Assisting with a carer’s assessment from the council and guidance on how it will benefit you
• Offering 1:1 support and resources for young adult carers (aged 16-25), as they transition into adulthood
• Informing about in-case-of-emergency planning

Carer Money Matters

With this amazing range of support, CSD is delighted to announce a new service, Carer Money Matters.

Designed in collaboration with the Carers Trust, Carer Money Matters will offer registered carers guidance and resources to help manage finances, access benefits, and navigate financial challenges in their caregiving roles.

CSD welcomed two new full-time Financial Wellbeing Officers in November 2024. They’ll complete their training and induction in early to mid-December before beginning to contact and work with carers on money-related matters.

With the financial pressures many carers face, CSD knows there is a need for support in managing finances confidently. Here’s what carers can expect from Carer Money Matters:

• Financial Support: Guidance on understanding and claiming the financial assistance they’re entitled to, along with practical tips for reducing energy bills.
• Energy Saving and Debt Advice: Free support on energy saving, managing energy debt, and assistance registering on the Priority Services Register for extra support during supply interruptions.
• Work and Career Support: Help with job searching, interview practice, and CV guidance for carers balancing caregiving with work.

Carers can access this new service by:
Freephone: 0800 368 8349
Email: admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk

For professionals with Carer Money Matters-related queries, email: moneymatters@carersupportservices.co.uk.

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Stay informed with the latest news, services, information, activities, and events for Dorset carers by signing up for the Carer Support Dorset monthly e-newsletter. If you are a professional signing up for the newsletter, please note that the ‘ID’ number field is optional and not required.

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