Carers looking after adults in Dorset can find the help they need thanks to a new county-wide support service.

Carer Support Dorset has now officially opened their service for unpaid carers of over-18s across Dorset in a celebration at their new offices.

The organisation will be a central point of contact for carers, whether by phone or through the website, and the friendly team will now be able to signpost carers to services that they can benefit from.

It aims to help carers to access services, information, education, training, respite, and breaks from their caring role.

The service estimates that more than 11 per cent of people in Dorset are caring for someone but, with many not recognising themselves as carers, these numbers are expected to be much higher.

Carer Support Dorset Manager, Anna Elston comments: “We are delighted to officially launch Carer Support Dorset and 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.”

Mathew Kendall, Executive Director for Adults & Housing at Dorset Council said: “I am delighted that Carer Support Dorset, following a busy period of planning with council officers and partners, are the first point of contact service for an estimated 1 in 10 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.