Our Home Support Service is there to provide light touch support around the home, from domestic duties, such as cleaning and laundry, to shopping, social visits, help to appointment and helping you to get our and about in the community, we have new availability in Dorchester, Weymouth & Surrounding areas!
Appointment reflects shared commitment to connection, community and the wellbeing of older people across Dorset.
We are proud to announce that Michael Dooley, Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, has agreed to become Patron of Age UK North, South & West Dorset.
This marks an important moment for our charity as we continue to strengthen connection, belonging and wellbeing for older people across towns, villages and rural communities throughout Dorset. Each year, we directly support more than 3,500 older people and have helped secure almost £5 million in welfare benefits locally over the past three years. The Patron role has been designed to be active and purposeful, focusing on visibility, advocacy and community connection rather than governance. Michael Dooley has expressed a strong desire to be involved and to support the charity’s ambition to raise the profile of older people’s voices and experiences across Dorset.
Terri Lewis, Chief Executive of Age UK North, South & West Dorset, said: “We are delighted to welcome Michael as our Patron. His longstanding commitment to Dorset, and his passion for connection, community and inclusion, align strongly with our values and our work. This feels like a natural partnership at a time when many older people need to feel seen, heard and supported within their communities.”
Matt Smith, Chair of Trustees, added: “This appointment reflects both the impact the charity is already making locally and our ambition to do more. Michael’s support will help us build confidence, strengthen relationships and champion the contribution of older people across Dorset.”
Speaking about his appointment, Michael Dooley said: “It is a great honour to become Patron of Age UK North, South & West Dorset. Across our county, older people are the custodians of memory, wisdom and continuity. They remind us who we are. If Dorset is to flourish, every generation must feel valued, connected and able to contribute. I look forward to listening, learning and working alongside the charity, its volunteers and partners so that, together, we strengthen community, reduce loneliness and build a county where people and place live in true harmony.”
As a Local, and independent charity, We continue to work across the county to reduce isolation, support independence and financial security, and help older people remain connected to their communities.
Further details about upcoming community visits and stakeholder events will be shared in due course.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Councils are given an allocation of this funding to help the residents in their area. The Household Support Fund for Dorset County Council is a one-off payment of £150 per household.
The payment is to help with everyday essentials including,
- Money, debts, and benefits
- Access to food
- Housing
- Support for children
- Energy, water, phone, and broadband costs
You don’t need to be in crisis to ask. If things feel tighter than usual, it’s okay to explore whether this support could help.
Please note that Dorset County Council can only make one payment per household, and funding is limited. Once all available funding has been allocated no more payments will be possible.
How we can help
If you feel this support may be right for you, Age UK NSWD can help talk it through or make an application on your behalf. We’re here to guide you and answer any questions, with no pressure or obligation.
If you would like to find out more or ask us to make an application on your behalf. Please get in touch with us as soon as you can by calling 01305 269 444 or emailing us at enquiries@ageuknswd.org.uk.
If you’re eligible
After you have applied, Dorset County Council will confirm if you are eligible to receive the one-off payment (£150). If you are, you will receive a BACS payment directly to your bank account, normally within 4 weeks of your application.
Today 982,000 people are living with dementia in the UK, with projections indicating this number will rise to 1.4 million by 2040
Here at AgeUK North, South & West Dorset we offer Dementia Awareness & Support courses to help equip people with practical tools and insight for supporting those living with Dementia.
The courses are designed for a wide range of attendees from family and friends to those working in health & social care.
Find out more about the services we offer, what's been happening and the events and groups we have planned over the next few months.
To recieve our newsletter electronically email us at enquiries@ageuknswd.org.uk or call us on 01305 269 444.
Due to to popular demand we have expanded our footcare service at our headoffice in Crown Square, Poundbury, DT1 3EN. We now have clinics 5 days per week, Monday - Friday.
Call today to book: 01305 269 444.
We run various groups and activities from our HUB at our headoffice in Crown Square, Poundbury.
Groups include Exercise Classes, Memory Support Groups, Coffee Clubs, Dementia Awareness Courses, Day Serices to Support Carers and many more.
Call 01305 269 444 to find out more.
We have a new Pilates group every Tuesday (12pm - 12.45pm) at our headoffice in Crown Square, Poundbury. Call 01305 269 444 to book and for more information. All are welcome!
See our newsletter for our latest updates.
You can sign up to be added to either our postal mailing list, or email list by sending a request to: enquiries@ageuknswd.org.uk
At Age UK North, South & West Dorset, we are working all year round to reach out to isolated older people. Your support will help us to continue tackling loneliness with our befriending scheme. Make a difference to a persons life. You can donate online by clicking the link, or for more information please Email our incredible Fundraising Team: fundraising@ageuknswd.org.uk Tel: 01305 269 444
Need a bit of help with your finances? We have advice to help. Our Welfare and Benefits Team have many years of experience of helping people with their finances.
Our Information and Advice Team are on hand to provide you with free information - Everyday we help older people access the benefits they are entitled to and help them discover ways in which to improve the quality of their lives.
Looking for a bit of extra help? Our Home Support and Handy Person Service may be able to assist. We don't provide personal care but we can help with those everyday chores, and small projects around the house