Carers across Dorset are being invited to take part in a special week of events next week to celebrate their work, share experiences and get support.  

As part of Carers Week 2025, which runs from Monday, 9 June, there are daily events and activities across the county to mark this year's theme of 'Caring about Equality'.  

The aim is to raise awareness of the support that is available locally for unpaid carers and encourage those who are not currently supported to get the help they need.

The week starts with a focus on health and care; then financial wellbeing, work and employment, younger carers, older carers, mental health and wellbeing. It will end on Sunday with reflections on carers week.  

Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Councillor Steve Robinson said: 

"I am delighted that Dorset Council, as a member of the Dorset Carers Partnership Group, is involved in the 2025 Carers Week Campaign. 

"Carers should be truly valued, recognised and supported. Carers are amazing people, but they don't always see that they are carers as they don't think of themselves in that way.   

"There are no hard and fast rules with this, it's not about what you do in your caring role or for how long you do it. Putting it simply, if you are helping someone, who can't manage without you, then you are a carer.  

"I hope as many people as possible will show their support, get involved and that carers will make the most of the events and support on offer to them."

The events have been organised by various organisations across Dorset for people to participate in and enjoy. 

The activities range from workshops and drop-in sessions to cream teams, walks, and music inspired events. 

A carer can be someone of any age, who may be in paid work or not, who supports a friend or family member due to their illness, disability, frailty, mental health or substance misuse.  

They are not paid for the care they undertake; however, they may claim benefits such as Carers Allowance but this is not always the case. 

And according to the latest census figures, there are an estimated 35,505 unpaid carers across the Dorset Council area, with 6.8% providing up to 50 hours unpaid care a week.

Carers can find out where the events are taking place by visiting www.ourdorset.org.uk/carers-week-2025/