A new service to help those caring for people across Dorset has been officially launched.

Carer Support Dorset provides information, advice and support to unpaid carers of all ages where the person cared for is over 18.

It acts as a central point of contact for carers by phone or through its website and will signpost or refer them onto a wide range of existing support available for carers.

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.

Anna Elston, Manager, said: “We would encourage anyone who thinks they may be a carer to get in touch with us.

“We can put carers in touch with organisations that can help them in their caring role, whether that’s through financial assistance, respite or simply a befriending service.”

(left to right) Tracy Rowland, Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group; Laraine Marriott, Chair of Trustees, Carer Support Dorset and Judy Walker, Chief Executive, Carer Support Dorset.

Mathew Kendall, Executive Director for Adults & Housing, Dorset Council, added: “I am delighted that Carer Support Dorset, following a busy period of planning with council officers and partners, is the first point of contact service for an estimated one in ten people who are carers in the county.

“This is an important new and additional resource for unpaid carers, helping them to find their way around the systems and to have someone to talk to about their caring role.

“We look forward to a successful and positive partnership with them, our partners and local communities to enhance our early intervention and support to carers.

“Being a voice for carers, Carer Support Dorset will also help to make sure that health, leisure, cultural and social care in Dorset are carer aware and carer friendly.”

If you think that you are a carer, please call Carer Support Dorset on 0800 368 8349 or visit www.carersupportdorset.co.uk to find out more.