We're supporting carers across Dorset

Even with some restrictions being lifted, Coronavirus is still affecting our way of life and especially the lives of carers looking after loved ones at home. Home carers can often feel isolated and forgotten but there is support out there like the Dorset Carers Hub. That's why we're delighted to support their work and to help carers across Dorset. 

Dorset Carers Hub is a charity run by a small team that supports unpaid carers throughout Dorset.

Sue Watson helped set up the hub with her husband Mark a year ago to provide a support network for carers. Carers usually meet up for bingo or quiz sessions, just to get together and chat with someone in the same situation, and the Carers Hub has continued this throughout lockdown via Zoom and social media

The changes mean that online engagement has more than doubled in recent months, but Sue felt a more personal touch was needed. So, with the support of a £200 donation from Magna, on Tuesday, every carer received a special afternoon tea package, including sandwiches, savouries, scones, clotted cream and jam, which was delivered by volunteer drivers!

Sue said: ’I’m so happy we were able to do this. It has put a smile on the faces of carers and shown they are not alone and that people care. I’m grateful to everyone who has helped with this idea’.

Neil Bliss, resident and community engagement officer, said: ‘We know Coronavirus has affected a lot of our customers and it has been a difficult time for everyone.  Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, so we’re delighted to support the Hub to raise the mood of carers in Dorset’

Sue Watson is also leading the Mask4Carers project, providing face coverings for carers, with over 600 sewn by volunteers already! More information on the hub is on https://www.dorsetcarershub.com/ or search Facebook for Dorset Carers Hub.