A NEW way to interact with Dorset Council is being piloted from today with a focus on increasing face-to-face interactions.

The local authority is set to trial the #HereToHear project in order to find out what really matters to communities.

During the pandemic face to face engagements and conversations between communities and the council change dramatically.

The so-called “sofa sessions” that are being trialled will see council members, led by Councillor Laura Beddow, on high streets for a number of hours each time to have open and informal conversations with community members.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “It has never been more important for Dorset Council to listen and work with residents, to understand their needs and ensure that the services are being designed and delivered in a way that best meets them.”

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services, said: “I am really excited to trial “sofa sessions”. We want to get back out there and talk with our communities, to have open and informal conversations about what it is they need, and what would make Dorset a great place to live, work and visit.

"The world around us continues to change and we must adapt to the challenges that our communities face as a result. Your input really can make a difference, but we first need to hear from you. We want to invite you to talk freely with us, to let us know what you need and what you think we could do differently”.

Joined by elected members and officers, Cllr Laura Beddow will lead five “sofa sessions” in high streets in Dorset this summer, with a view to visiting more locations next year.

The five scheduled sessions are set to take place in:

Blandford (Market Place) – Saturday 23 July, 10am-1pm

Bridport (Bucky Doo Square) – Thursday 28 July, 10am-1pm

Wareham (The Quay) – Saturday 6 August, 9am-12pm

Ferndown (Pedestrian Precinct) – Saturday 20 August, 10am-1pm

Weymouth (In the Square – Outside the White Hart Tavern) – Saturday 10 September, 10am-1pm