Carers

Do you look after someone that couldn’t manage without your support? If the answer is yes, then you are a carer.

You may not consider yourself a carer, as caring is often something we do for family or friends without question and without defining or labelling it as such.  If you provide care to someone who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, and they couldn’t manage without your support, then you are a carer. 

Carers can be anyone of any age and perform any number of different tasks to support the person they are caring for.  You may be providing practical support like shopping, meal preparation, personal care (such as washing or dressing) or you may be providing emotional support to support someone’s mental wellbeing.  You do not have to live with the person you care for to be a carer.

Click here to see an online tool-kit that carers can complete to find areas of support and assistance.

Register with us

While many carers feel that caring is one of the most important and rewarding things they do, its challenges should not be underestimated.  Caring can impact on all aspects of life from relationships and health to finances and work, and caring without the right information and support can be tough. 

That is why we want to know who all our patients with caring responsibilities are, so they can get the support they need. 

Please contact the surgery on 01305 251545 or pop into the surgery and ask one of our friendly reception team to fill out a carer identification form.

Our Carers Lead

If you feel you would like some further information on services available to you or could do with some support, please contact our reception team for assistance.  You can contact them by calling the surgery, or alternatively can send an email to atrium.reception@nhs.net

Our GP Carers Lead is Dr Laura Morgan who supports our Patient Services Administrators team with all enquiries.

Dorset Carer Support Services

Every carer should be supported with the right information and advice in order for them to feel able to carry out their caring role.  In Dorset we have two ‘front door’ carer support services in which we encourage every carer to be registered with.  They provide you with regular newsletters to keep you informed, give you access to the Dorset Carers Card which can save you money, and provide a wealth of training opportunities to help you as a carer. When you register with us, you can give us permission to make a referral on your behalf with information you provide, or alternatively you can contact them yourself using the details below:

If you care for some who lives within the Dorset Council area, you will need to register with Carer Support Dorset for support:

Tel: 0800 3688349

Website: www.carersupportdorset.co.uk

Email: admin@carersupportdorset.co.uk

Carer registration form

If you care for someone who lives in the BCP Council area you will need to register with Carers’ Resource Information and Support (CRISP) for support:

Tel: 01202 128787

Website: www.crispweb.org

Email: carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Carer registration form

The Dorchester Carers Nook – A New Space for Local Carers
We’re excited to announce the launch of Dorchester Carers Nook — a brand-new drop-in space created with carers, for carers. Whether you’re looking for a listening ear, practical advice, or just a quiet moment with a cuppa, this space is for you.
Launch Event Details:
•    Date: Wednesday 9th July 2025
•    Time: 10:00am–12:00pm and 2:00pm–4:00pm
•    Location: Dorchester Connect Day Centre, Culliford Road North
No need to book — just drop in!

What Is the Carers Nook?
Caring can be both rewarding and incredibly challenging. The Dorchester Carers Nook offers a safe, welcoming environment where unpaid carers can:
•    Meet other carers and build supportive connections
•    Access trusted advice and local services
•    Take a break and recharge in a relaxed setting
This initiative is a joint effort between Mid Dorset Primary Care Network (PCN), Age UK, Dorset Council, Dorchester Day Centre, and Carers Support Dorset — all coming together to support the incredible work of carers in our community.
What to Expect at the Launch
Come along to:
•    Meet the teams behind the Carers Nook
•    Find out what’s on offer at monthly sessions
•    Learn how to access support and future activities
•    Connect with others who understand the ups and downs of caring
Hot drinks and friendly conversations guaranteed!
Monthly Drop-In Sessions Begin Soon
After the launch, the Carers Nook will be held on the second Wednesday of each month, offering:
•    Carer Café
•    Pre-booked activities for the cared-for person
•    On-hand advice and support
•    Access to local health, wellbeing, and community services
We’ll share more about the monthly themes and how to book soon.
If you’re a carer in Dorchester or nearby, we’d love to welcome you to this new space built just for you. 
For more information on the service visit - Homepage - Mid Dorset Primary Care Network

Click here to view information regarding self-help available online for carers.

Our Primary Care Network Carers Information page

The Atrium Health Centre is one of nine surgeries within Mid Dorset Primary Care Network (PCN).  The PCN was set up in order for our local surgeries to work together to enable great provision of proactive, personalised, coordinated and integrated health and social care for people closer to home. 

That is why we have created a joint Carers Information Page on our PCN website which holds the rest of the information that is available to support you as a carer. 

Please now visit the PCN Carers Information page for further information, advice and support.

It covers information on:

• How we can support you
• Local support services
• Young Carers 
• Planning ahead
• In an emergency
• Support for carers in our Dorset hospitals
• Carer’s Assessment
• Carers Information Pack
• Carers News
• Leaflets
• Useful websites and contacts