Thousands of people across Dorset could be providing unpaid care for a loved one, friend or neighbour without realising they are entitled to support.
Dorset Council is encouraging residents to recognise their caring role and find out what help is available following the publication of the Government’s new Unpaid Carers Action Plan: Recognise, Refer, Reach.
Many people who regularly help someone with daily tasks, appointments, personal care or emotional support do not see themselves as carers. Instead, they identify as a husband, wife, partner, parent, son, daughter, friend or neighbour.
As a result, they may miss out on practical advice, financial guidance and wellbeing support that could make a significant difference to their lives.
The Government’s new action plan aims to improve how unpaid carers are identified and connected with support services.
Its priorities closely reflect Dorset’s own long-term commitment to supporting carers through Together with Carers: A Dorset Vision, published in 2024, which was developed alongside carers and partner organisations across Dorset.
The plan focuses on improving carers’ wellbeing, access to information and respite, support for employment and education, and creating a more joined-up system that helps carers maintain a fulfilling life alongside their caring responsibilities.
Councillor Steve Robinson, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said:
“Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution to the lives of those they support and to our communities every day.
“Many people don’t think of themselves as carers. They simply see themselves as helping someone they love. But recognising yourself as a carer is often the first step towards accessing valuable support and advice.
“If you regularly help someone who couldn’t manage without your support, I encourage you to find out what help is available through the Dorset Carer Service.”
Shared priorities in both the national and Dorset plans include improving recognition of carers, providing better information and advice, supporting carers’ health and wellbeing, helping carers remain in education and employment, strengthening support for young carers and improving partnership working across services.
Matt Bell, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention and Communities said:
“Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging, and it’s important that unpaid carers can get the right help when they need it.
“The new Dorset Carers Service is designed to support carers of all ages, from young carers right through to older people. By bringing support together under one service, we’re making it easier for anyone with caring responsibilities to access advice, guidance and practical help.
Removing barriers to support is a key part of our vision. We want carers to feel recognised, valued and confident that help is available, whatever their circumstances.”
Alongside the Dorset Carers Service, carers can also access Bridgit, the council’s online self-service platform, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Together, these services offer flexible support that fits around carers’ busy lives and helps them continue in their caring role while looking after their own wellbeing too.”
Support available through the Dorset Carer Service includes information, advice, assessments, wellbeing support and dedicated services for young carers.
Steve Duckett, Chair of the Pan-Dorset Carers Steering Group, said:
“Carers have told us how important it is to be recognised, listened to and supported throughout their caring journey.
“We know that many carers remain hidden and may not realise support is available to them.
“By continuing to work together across health, care and community organisations, we can help ensure carers of all ages receive the support they need and deserve. We want carers across Dorset to know that they are not alone.”
Together with Carers: A Dorset Vision, was launched in 2024 and developed with carers and partner organisations across Dorset. It sets out a shared commitment to improving support for unpaid carers by identifying them earlier, providing help at the right time and enabling them to live fulfilling lives alongside their caring responsibilities. This approach closely aligns with the Government’s Unpaid Carers Action Plan: Recognise, Refer, Reach, published on 14 July 2026.
Supporting carers is also an important part of A Better Life for Carers in Dorset and the wider Age Friendly Dorset programme. Age Friendly Dorset is a partnership initiative that helps people age well, remain independent and stay connected to their communities. Recognising and supporting unpaid carers is central to this work, reflecting the vital role they play in helping family members, friends and neighbours live well.
Think you might be a carer?
Visit the Dorset Carer Service for information, advice and guidance: www.helpandcare.org.uk/dorset-carer-service.
