A new service to help those caring for people across Dorset is launching on November 21, Carers Rights Day.

Carer Support Dorset has been established to give information, advice and support to unpaid carers of all ages across the county where the person cared for is over 18.

Four new jobs have been created so far by the new venture which is jointly funded by Dorset Council and Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group.

It is a not-for-profit organisation and connected to Carer Support Wiltshire, a registered charity.

In response to feedback from carers over the last few years, Carer Support Dorset will be a central point of contact, whether by phone or through its website.

It will be able to signpost or refer onto a wide range of existing support available for carers.

This could include issuing a carer’s discount card, local carers’ cafes, funding streams and referring to funded services from the local authority through a carer’s assessment.

Carer Support Dorset, which is based in Ferndown, covers the whole of Dorset and offers a Freephone number (0800 368 8349) as well as extensive information on the website www.carersupportdorset.co.uk.

Judy Walker, Chief Executive, said: “Carers play an extremely important role and often don’t receive the recognition or support that they deserve.

“We are delighted to be launching Carer Support Dorset and are looking forward to working with carers, charities and other organisations which promote better support for carers.

“We’d urge carers to get in touch with our service from November 21 onwards.”

• If you think that you are a carer, contact Carer Support Dorset from November 21 on 0800 368 8349 or visit www.carersupportdorset.co.uk to find out more.