Carers’ Resource Information and Support (CRISP) for Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch 

Carer Support Dorset 

Bridgit – an online self-help platform for Dorset Council area residents which provides advice, guidance, and information about your caring role. 

The Leonardo Trust – Lean on Leonardo – advice and support, including grants to help carers with equipment, respite breaks and more. 

Carers Direct Helpline (run by NHS Dorset) – for help and advice with your caring role. Open 8am-9pm, Monday to Friday, and 11am-4pm at weekends. Calls cost the same as 01 or 02 numbers (also known as geographic numbers). Tel: 0400 1231053. 

Dorset - South West Advocacy Network – specialist independent advocates who work in partnership with carer and the cared for to ensure they are supported to have their needs met and their rights respected and upheld. 

Access Wellbeing – person-centred support for adults run in partnership by local NHS, council and community/voluntary organisations. Help is available online and face-to-face at community hubs around Dorset. 

PramaLife – supports older people and carers in Bournemouth, Christchurch, East Dorset and Poole 

Health and care | Independent Age 

Age UK – helpline open every day, from 8am-7pm. Tel: 0800 0556112. 

Dorset Mental Health Forum | Promoting Wellbeing and Recovery 

Connection – our round-the-clock helpline for people of all ages, anywhere in Dorset, who are experiencing mental health issues and need support. Tel: 0800 6520190. 

Alzheimer's Society – support for people living with dementia 

Dorset HealthCare :: Armed Forces - Health and Wellbeing – Our Op Community service provides to families of serving personnel, reservists, veterans and carers living in Dorset to improve and promote physical and mental wellbeing. 

A young carer is someone under 18 and a young adult carer is aged 16 to 25. As a young carer, you may miss out on opportunities to play and spend time with your friends and classmates. You may feel isolated or find that you don't get included in certain activities. 

You might feel as if you’re the only young person that this happens to, you are not. There are lots of other young carers in the UK, and there are groups that can help you. 

Home - Young Carers | Carer Support Dorset 

MYTIME Young Carers 

Young People Services - Dorset Mind – mental health support 

Home - Kooth – online mental health support service 

 

Carers First – your rights as a carer 

Carers Trust – legal advice, including wills, managing someone else’s affairs, complaints and more 

Work and career | Carers UK – advice for working carers 

Household Support Fund (HSF) | BCP – cost of living help for BCP Council area residents 

Cost of living help for you - Dorset Council news  – cost of living help for Dorset Council area residents 

Debt and money - Citizens Advice 

Dealing with debt | Carers UK  

Your GP and primary care team can provide you with support, advice and information. 

It’s important you inform your GP that you are a carer and you want to be added the carers register they hold within the practice. 

Your GP could help you by providing or arranging: 

  • signposting to support and advice from other NHS services, local social services and voluntary agencies 

  • advice and information on other services within the NHS  

  • information on medical conditions or treatments for the cared-for person to help you feel more knowledgeable and confident in your caring role. 

  • home visits to you or the person you care if it’s difficult to attend appointments at the surgery. 

  • 'double' appointments for both you and the person you care for at the same time  

  • repeat prescriptions to be delivered to your local pharmacy to save you picking them up 

  • supporting letters and information to access benefits such as Attendance Allowance or a blue badge scheme 

  • priority appointments for unpaid carers 

  • additional mental health checks to unpaid carers who are children and young adults 

  • support groups and carers clinics within the practice, where you can talk to others in the same situation as you 

  • a free NHS flu vaccination (all unpaid carers are eligible for this). 

Practices are all encouraged to have a designated carers lead, who champions the voice of carers. Contact your GP for further information.