Local information
This page gives details of local and national organisations who may be able to offer information or support. If you would like an organisation to be added to this list please see contact details at the bottom of the contact us page.
Advice
Advice Dorset - Bringing together all the advice agencies in Dorset on one website.
Other local Citizens Advice offices - including locations and opening times
Dorset Race Equality Council - supporting people to speak out against racist and religious discrimination and abuse. Offering free information, advice and advicacy to victims
First Point - housing and advice in Dorset
Age UK - Information and advice for over 60s
Dorset Advocacy - providing relief for people living in Dorset with a learning, physical or mental disability, and those suffering frailty through age, to assist them to protect their rights and gain equality of opportunity
SSAFA - offering lifelong support for the services and their families
POPPS - Dorset partnership for older people programme
Local information
Dorset for You - Dorset County Council website
Wessex Water - offering contact details and self-help information on every aspect of water and sewerage services. Help and advice on a range of problems including bill paying, moving home, water quality and avoiding blockages. Also, you can send for a free water saving pack covering water efficiency advice.
New and Exciting BSL helpline service launched!! - Face to face money helpline online via smart phone, tablet or laptop.
Are you a carer? Help and Care, in partnership with Dorset HealthCare, will be running free, informal training workshops during 2015/16. Please click here for a link to a poster giving full information on the courses provided.
Family & Relationships
Sure Start - support and activities for Dorset families and carers with children under five
Home Start - support and friendship for families in West Dorset
Relate Dorset - helping people with the difficulties they experience in family life
Local Charities
Besom - a bridge between those who want to give time, money, things or skills and those who are in need
Food banks - There are food banks in Swanage, Wareham and Poole. Please contact your local Citizens Advice bureau for vouchers
Art Workshop - a new, not-for-profit, space in central Swanage dedicated to providing accessible art workshops for everyone, regardless of artistic skill or resources.
Housing
Eastborough Housing Trust - housing and support services for vulnerable clients
BCHA - help with housing, learning and living
Shelter - practical housing advice and support, on the phone, online or in person
Health & Care
Dorset Mental Health Forum - improving the lives of everyone affected by mental illness
Dorset ME Support Group - small community based charity supporting people with ME in Dorset
Healthwatch Dorset - the new consumer champion for health and social care services
My Health My Way - support for people living in Dorset whose daily lives are affected by a health condition
My life my care - information and advice about care and support for adults in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole
Macmillan Cancer Support - practical, medical and financial support for anyone affected by cancer
Money Matters
First Dorset Credit Union - offering a safe, ethical place to save and affordable loans
CAP - Christians Against Poverty offer free debt counselling in your home
Payplan - free debt management plans and IVAs and free debt advice
StepChange - free advice on problem debt based on what's right for you
National Debtline - a free, confidential, debt advice service for people in England, Wales and Scotland, run by the charity the Money Advice Trust
Big Community Switch - Save money on your fuel bills with collective energy switching
Go Energy Shopping - Information from Ofgem on how to save money on your energy bills
Employment, Education and Training
Ansbury - company delivering Connexions services to young people who live in Dorset
Purbeck Jobs - the only website dedicated to jobs in Purbeck.
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