Minstead Trust, Carer Support Dorset, PramaLife & The Filo Project

Community Hero in the Spotlight, June 2025

June 9th – 15th was Carers Week, with the theme ‘Caring About Equality.’ We featured a range of different carer support organisations.

Minstead Trust enable people with learning disabilities to achieve greater independence and make informed choices for happier and healthier lives. They’re commissioned by BCP Council to support carers of people with learning disabilities to help them share their experiences with BCP Council and the NHS to improve services. Minstead Trust hold meetings where you can share what it’s like to be a carer. You don’t need lots of time or experience, just the desire to share your ideas.

Contact Sini Lucas for a chat, advice or to become involved.
Email: Sini.Lucas@minsteadtrust.org.uk
Phone: 07586717228


Carer Support Dorset help people who care for family and friends get the support they need. Many people don’t regard themselves as carers and aren’t getting the available help. Carer Support Dorset hosts carer support groups and coffee mornings.


PramaLife know that unpaid carers deal with many challenges, including changes to relationships and less freedom to care for themselves and offer a range of different support groups across BCP and East Dorset. There are Carer Cafes, Carer Support Groups, a Carer Choir, and more besides.

Contact PramaLife:
T: 01202 207300
E: info@prama.uk


The Filo Project provide day care for small groups of older people, many of whom have early to moderate dementia. They spend the day in the home of a trained host, where they can enjoy companionship, conversation, home-cooked food and a calm, home environment. This helps reduce isolation as friendships are formed. The Filo Project recognises the vital role of carers and loved ones affected by someone else’s dementia. Through their Filo Family Support service, families have a confidential space to share concerns or ask questions, and, most importantly, a compassionate listening ear. This added layer of support helps ensure that family carers feel listened to, valued and better equipped to navigate the challenges they may face – enabling them to continue providing care with confidence and resilience. The Filo Project operates across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, where they are actively welcoming new referrals and recruiting hosts.

If you know someone who might benefit from a Filo day, you can submit a referral or enquiry through their website or get in touch with their team via info@thefiloproject.co.uk or 0333 939 8225.