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Carers

Important: Emergency/ Crisis situations

If the person you care for lives in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, contact the Adult Social Care Contact Centre by phone on 01202 123654.

Are you caring for someone who has a long term health condition?

A carer is anyone, including children and adults, who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, and cannot cope without their support.

Why you should let us know you’re a carer

Letting us know you are a carer allows us to offer you other services to help you care for your own health, for example priority flu appointments or more flexible appointment booking. We can also signpost you to support if and when you need it.

How to let us know you are a carer

Please complete our online form at the bottom of this page, or, if you’d rather, just let one of our receptionists know.

When you tell us that you are caring for someone we will place your details on our Carers Register so that practice staff are aware you are a carer. We will not share this knowledge with anyone else unless you tell us that we can. You will also be contacted by our carer’s lead, Paulette, and sent an information pack.

Surgery information – Carers lead

Our Carer’s Lead is Paulette. In amongst her other jobs dealing with admin, scanning, coding and working in reception, she’s available on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to speak too. You can contact her on 01202 433081 ext. 218. We also have a carer’s notice board in our waiting room.

Carers assessment

A carer’s assessment is a conversation with a professional social care worker about how being a carer affects you and the way you are able to live your life. It’s an opportunity to make sure you have all the information you need and a chance to find out about the services and support that could help you in your caring role. It is free and open to any carer, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Please speak to our carer’s lead, Paulette, for more information.

  • Carers UK

    They’re here to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone.

    Phone
    0808 808 7777

    Website
    Carers UK

    Email
    info@carersuk.org

  • Carers Trust

    Carers Trust works to transform the lives of unpaid carers. It partners with its network of local carer organisations to provide funding and support, deliver innovative and evidence-based programmes and raise awareness and influence policy.​ Carers Trust’s vision is that unpaid carers are heard and valued, with access to support, advice and resources to enable them to live fulfilled lives.

    Website
    Carers Trust

  • Age UK

    If you look after a partner, relative or friend who’s disabled or ill due to physical or mental health, you’re a carer – even if you don’t think of yourself as one. Age UK provides emotional and practical help, as well as advice on what financial support is available to you.

    Website
    Help & Advice for Carers

  • Social care and support guide

    If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this guide explains your options and where you can get support.

    Website
    NHS: Social care and support guide

  • Understanding Dementia Better

    Understanding Dementia Better is free, online training for family and friends supporting someone with dementia.

    Website
    Understanding Dementia Better Training

  • Safe+Well

    Safe+Well support people who want to buy their own daily living aids to help them live more independently.
    Whether you are getting older, have recently been in hospital, have a disability or are caring for someone, Safe+Well are here to help you.

    Website
    Safe and Well

  • BCP Carer support

    BCP Carer Support (previously known as CRISP) are here for all unpaid adult carers looking after someone who would not be able to manage without their support in Bournemouth Christchurch or Poole.

    Website
    BCP Carers Service

  • Leonardo Carer Support

    Leonardo Carer Support is an independent charity that helps people living in Dorset who provide unpaid care, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, mental health problems or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.

    Website
    Leonardo Carer Support

  • Help and Kindness

    Help and Kindness are passionate about helping people to thrive and flourish in Dorset. They do this by making and supporting connections between people and all kinds of services and support across the county and beyond; linking people to things that can make a positive difference to them and those around them.

    Website
    #HelpAndKindness for Dorset

What to do if the person you care for is admitted to hospital

If the person you care for has been admitted to Bournemouth or Christchurch or Poole Hospitals and you’d like some help and support:

– Please call 0300 019 8714 or email carersupport@uhd.nhs.uk
– For more information on support available – Carers Support service
– If the person you care for been admitted to Dorset County Hospital and you’d like some help and support?
– Please call the Patient Experience Team on 0800 7838058 or email pals@dchft.nhs.uk
– For more information – Carer Information | Dorset County Hospital

Page published: 9 May 2023
Last updated: 22 July 2025