Dorset Council News
Winter 2023
Winter support Staying healthy Christmas bin collections
In partnership with:
1 in 3 adults in the UK have high blood pressure. To find out more visit nhsdorset.nhs.uk/bloodpressure Know your Numbers! is a registered trademark of Blood Pressure UK
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Welcome
It’s the time of year when we set next year’s budget. We have saved over £96 million since Dorset Council was created in 2019. This has been reinvested back into our frontline services, so no cuts are required to balance budgets. While we aren’t experiencing the financial crisis faced by some councils, our budget remains challenging. I have continued to advocate for fairer government funding and have done so again recently. We are committed to using taxpayers’ money sensibly and getting best value for the monies received. We recently allocated £2 million to further support residents with the cost of living challenge. This will enable our housing service to provide more support for residents at risk of losing their home. See articles throughout the magazine about support available. Working well with our local partner organisations and securing additional funding from government benefits our services. Our partnership with Care Dorset, now one year old, has brought impressive improvements. This makes sure the right care is available at the right time and in the right place for those who need it, whether residential, day care or supported living. The same can be said of the Dorset Centre of Excellence, and Coombe House School in particular, which has recently reported a growing improvement in performance. New Family Hubs in Ferndown and Wareham are a welcome improvement for families, providing one-stop access to council and partner services. The council remains committed to making Dorset a great place to live, work and visit.
In this edition 4 News and information 5 Support for adults 6 Support for young people
7 News 8 Magazine survey 9 Ways to get online 10 Getting around 11 Housing 12 - 13 Health and wellbeing 14 Protecting shoppers and business
15 Christmas bin collections
Cllr Spencer Flower Leader of the Council Sign up to weekly news from Dorset Council at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/e-news Cover image: Chris Meads unsplash.com Designed and produced by the Dorset Council Communications team. Printed by Blackmore Ltd on paper from renewable sources, such as wood pulp. No water or chemicals are used in the plate-making process, the ink dries by absorption and oxidisation, therefore no energy is consumed in the drying process. All material printed in this magazine is the copyright of the parties mentioned and cannot be reproduced in any form without written permission. All details correct at time of going to print and are subject to change.
If you would like this information in an alternative format please call 01305 221000 or email customerservices@ dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Dorset Council cannot vouch for the legitimacy of, or endorse, any advertiser in Dorset Council News. If you prefer to receive an email copy of Dorset Council News, please let us know at comms@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Cost of living help for you
Along with Dorset Citizens Advice and Age UK, we are providing support on a range of issues. These include finances and benefits, housing concerns, support for children, utility costs, debt management, and other important subjects. Through initiatives like free school meals, Council Tax energy rebates, supermarket vouchers, and help for food projects, we’ve facilitated nearly £20 million in support in the past year, thanks to government funding. Remember, you are not alone and if you need assistance, reach out now. Support is free and confidential. For more information, please visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help or telephone Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848.
Extra pension support Pension Credit is financial support from the government for people who have reached the state pension age and are on a low income. If you qualify for Pension Credit, you may be able to claim Council Tax Support and other benefits too. Check if you are eligible and apply at gov.uk/pension-credit. Alternatively, call the government helpline on 0800 991234. A friend or family member can call for you.
Try a free health walk Dorset Health Walks are a great way to stay active and meet new people. Even in winter, being outdoors is great for mental and physical health. They are free and there’s no need to book. Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-healthwalks or call 01425 480811 to find your nearest walk.
Free parking during December We are offering free parking in many of our car parks on various days this December. On 2 December and on other days in the run-up to Christmas, our pay and display machines and Just Park app will be set to ‘free’ in the participating car parks. Find out more about free parking, and other arrangements including bin collection changes, at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/christmas-information
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Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Christmas opening You can call or email us as usual between Christmas and New Year. We will be closed on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 December and on Monday 1 January. For out of hours emergencies, call 01305 221000. If the situation is life-threatening, always call 999.
Essential support if you look after someone Whether you look after a parent, partner, child or a friend, our free support and advice includes:
finances, benefits and work your health and wellbeing the Carers Card identity and discounts befriending and local carer groups training for managing conditions Call in confidence on 0800 368 8349 or visit us online at carersupportdorset.co.uk
If you are confident online, our new self-serve tool enables you to create your own personalised support plan. Visit bridgit.care/support/dorset Carer Support Dorset and Bridgit Care are independent and confidential services, funded by Dorset Council.
Be prepared The old telephone network is being switched off Between now and 2025, most telephone network providers will be moving their customers from traditional landlines to digital technology. Your telecoms provider should contact you before the switchover to discuss what you need to do. If you have other devices connected to your telephone line, like an alarm system or a telecare device, your provider might need to upgrade your device to make it compatible. If you are unsure how a device might be affected, contact the equipment supplier for help.
In an emergency
Health and social care support If you need help understanding, accessing or having your interests represented in health and social care services, South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) can support you. Support from SWAN includes mental capacity and health, the Care Act, continuing healthcare and support for parents during care proceedings. Referrals can be made by anyone, for themselves or on behalf of someone else. Funded by us and NHS Dorset, SWAN has been delivering advocacy in the southwest for many years. It was recently re-awarded the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark. Visit swanadvocacy.org.uk/dorset, or email dorset@swanadvocacy.org.uk or call 03333 447928.
Digital landlines will not work if there is a power cut. If you have no other means of calling the emergency services in a power cut, talk to your telecoms provider about a solution. To find out more, search for landline telephones at ageuk.org.uk or call 0800 678 1602
Find out more at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Dorset’s foster families never feel alone
Does your child qualify for free school meals? You could save up to £450 a year per child. Some children may be eligible to receive a free daily lunch at school, as well as free holiday activities. See if you qualify by using our confidential checker at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/freeschool-meals or call 01305 221090 For each free meal, a child’s school receives extra government funding called the Pupil Premium. This goes towards more teaching staff, tuition or activities. It is paid automatically if the child is aged over 7. If they are under 7 and you receive qualifying benefits, you need to ask your early years provider to claim Pupil Premium.
Mockingbird is a special way of looking after our foster carers. It’s a close network, like an extended family, for foster carers, their families, and the young people they look after. Foster carers have instant access to support in their local area, with a dedicated and experienced ‘hub home carer’ at the centre. Chris Smart and his wife Angela, pictured above, have been fostering for 13 years. They have looked after 14 young people, many staying long-term. They are also Mockingbird hub home carers, offering support to 10 foster families in Weymouth.
School Meals Do you want to discuss a child’s emerging special educational needs? Talk to someone as soon as possible and book a slot to speak to a member of the team
Chris says, “In the past, fostering could sometimes be a lonely job, but Mockingbird has changed this. “We have monthly get-togethers and the support from other experienced foster carers is invaluable. “Whether it is a chat late at night or over the weekend, carers get support at any time. “With Dorset Council you know you are entering a supportive fostering community.” If you would like to find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit fosterwithdorsetcouncil.com or call 01305 221000.
Dorset Education Advice Line Freephone
0800 1404041
Lines open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm Term time only book online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-education-advice-line
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Give a warm Christmas
Preparing for winter
If you receive a Winter Fuel Payment but can manage without it, did you know you can donate it to support Dorset residents who need a little extra help?
We are ready for those cold and icy days and nights ahead: the rock salt has been topped up and our lorries finely tuned.
This is possible through Dorset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter appeal. It provides grants of up to £200, making a significant impact for Dorset residents who could face the choice between eating well and keeping warm. To donate, visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org or telephone 01202 670815.
Our route-based forecasting system helps us treat roads based on localised temperatures. This means we use less salt and take fewer lorry trips, which is good for the environment and saves money. If you find yourself behind a gritting vehicle, please be patient and take care on freshly gritted roads as the salt can take time to bed in. When conditions get bad, like when puddles turn to black ice, only drive if your journey is essential. Our webpages will list the routes being treated at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/gritting-updates
Could you offer a home to Ukrainian refugee? So far, more than 400 households in Dorset have sponsored refugees as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme but we still need more.
Maryna, who arrived in April 2022
As the war sadly continues, more Ukrainians need a place of safety, and we need new hosts. If you think you could help by offering a spare room in your home, in an annexe, or in independent accommodation, we would love to hear from you. In return, you will have a network of support and we will pay you £350 a month. Our hosts tell us: “Hosting is a venture worth embarking on.” “Understand the implications, have courage, and the rewards will be with you and your guests, for life!” “We hosted a lovely family from Ukraine. They were so happy to be out of Ukraine and living in a safe place.” “Dorset Council was very supportive and the ‘thank you’ payments were very welcome to help pay for the additional bills.” See how to get involved at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/your-community/refugee-services Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Dorset Council News survey: please tell us what you think by 31 January 2024 We hope you find our magazine useful. To help decide whether to continue producing it in a paper format in the future, we would like you to answer some questions. The magazine is delivered to households in the Dorset Council area twice a year. An audio version is also available on our website. The cost to Council Tax payers each year for printing and distributing the magazine is just under 35 pence for both editions. How much of this edition of Dorset Council News will you read? All of it
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If you would like to take part in our prize draw to win a £100 voucher, please fill in your name, email address or phone number so we can contact you if you win. We will only use your details for the purpose of the prize draw. Your details will be kept in accordance with our data protection policy. See dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ dataprotection Name
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If you have further comments or suggestions, please let us know on a piece of paper or tell us online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/magazine
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If yes, please use the space below to tell us how or use a separate piece of paper if needed.
You can complete the survey online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/magazine If you prefer to post us your responses, please send them to: Communications Team, Dorset Council, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ
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Stay up to date with our e-newsletters Did you know you can receive regular updates from us via email? Our e-newsletters provide you with local updates tailored to your interests. We have newsletters on Dorset’s countryside, libraries, leisure, travel and transport, health, history and heritage and lots more. It’s simple to sign up, all you need is access to the internet and an email address. Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/e-newsletter-sign-up If you need support to use the internet, our digital champions can help you, find out how below.
We’re ready to help you get online
Our volunteer digital champions have helped thousands of Dorset residents get to grips with the digital world during the last 10 years. The champions help hundreds of people every month in Dorset’s libraries and community centres. They also provide technical support over the phone. With their help, you can get set up and started with new devices like computers, tablets and smart phones. You can learn how to do online shopping and get advice on using apps, from fun games to practical
ones like parking and banking. Find out how to book an appointment or order a prescription with your GP. You can even learn to navigate online magazines like Dorset Council News. They can help you to set up Skype or Zoom to keep in contact with family or friends. Our digital champions will also show you how to stay safe online, from learning how to avoid scams and fraud to protecting your computer, tablet or smartphone from viruses.
To find out where and when your nearest digital champion advice session is held or to ask for advice, call the digital hotline on 01305 221048. Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Getting around Dorset We are joining forces with BCP Council to shape how we travel around Dorset. The new Local Transport Plan for Dorset will cover all types of transport, sustainable ways to travel, road safety and maintenance. In the coming months, we will be asking residents and businesses for help to shape this vision, so keep an eye on local media for updates and how to have your say. A lot has changed since our last plan was produced in 2011. The new plan will need to ensure we can travel safely and easily, whilst reducing carbon emissions and protecting the landscape that makes Dorset so special. You can read more about the Local Transport Plan online at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/local-transport-plan
Hire a Beryl Cycling is a great way to get around, and in the east of Dorset, bike hire makes it even easier for pleasure or commuting. In Wimborne, Ferndown, Corfe Mullen and Upton you can hire a Beryl bike and cycle further afield to Bournemouth and Poole. If you haven’t tried an electric bike before, the new Beryl e-bikes are a great addition to the fleet. Visit beryl.cc to find your nearest bicycle, tap to unlock and off you go! See cycle routes throughout Dorset or book a refresher cycle training session at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/cycling
Discounted bus fares continue The government has confirmed money saving bus travel will continue until November 2024, with single fares capped at £2.50 for many routes. Ask your bus operator for details.
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Safe cycling
Gaining cycling skills early on is important for a child’s safety and confidence, and will enable them to cycle to school and enjoy trips with family and friends. Ask your child’s school about Bikeability or visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/bikeability If your child doesn’t have a bike, always ask if a free bicycle is available when enquiring about courses. If you want to brush up on your cycling skills, or get on a bike for the first time, why not try our cycling lessons for adults. See dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/adult-cycletraining-vouchers
Shaping the future of housing Many thanks to everyone who took part in our recent housing strategy survey to tell us what is important when it comes to safe, suitable and affordable homes. New homes at Okeford Fitzpaine
The thousands of responses received will help us set our housing priorities over the next five years. People told us about their personal experiences, and we heard from organisations and businesses. We also received feedback on housing need, supply, housing standards and preventing homelessness.
Focusing on making the most of new and existing homes and the unique challenges we face in Dorset, the findings will be presented to councillors in December. We will publish them in early 2024.
Need housing advice? Don’t leave it too late
Helping communities to make a green difference
Renters, homeowners, landlords and letting agents are being urged to act now if they are struggling financially or know someone who needs support.
Our Low Carbon Dorset programme offers free grants and advice to organisations to help them install green measures like solar panels and heat pumps, reducing emissions and saving money.
We are working with Shelter and Citizens Advice to offer help with a range of issues including:
More than 100 community groups and charities of all sizes in Dorset have benefited so far.
rent or mortgage arrears debt advice rent/interest rate increases managing your money, benefits etc
If you think this could help your project, find out more and how to apply at lowcarbondorset.org.uk
We’re here to assist with anything housing-related that’s not going as planned. So, if this affects you or someone you know, please get in touch. Our service is free, confidential, and nonjudgemental. Call 01305 221000 or email housinghelp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Update on the Dorset Council Local Plan We’re currently waiting for the new Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to become law. This will bring reforms to the planning system, so by delaying our Local Plan, we can ensure its policies are up to date to meet the changes. We are aiming for the new Local Plan to be adopted in spring 2026. In the meantime we continue compiling reports and assessments following our consultation in 2021. We will keep you updated on our website and in the press. Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-council-local-plan Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Know your numbers! In Dorset, many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure, which rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes. The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure checked!
Kirsty’s story Blood pressure wasn’t something I thought about day to day. I’m 44, I generally feel fine so why would I check my blood pressure? As part of a routine appointment at my GP practice I had my blood pressure checked and it turns out it was high. To make sure it wasn’t just a one off, I bought myself a blood pressure monitor and was asked to check it for a week at home. Fast forward a few weeks and I’m now on regular medication and have made some significant lifestyle changes. I’m using the BP@Home app to help me manage things. The app reminds me when I need to do a reading and to take my medication. Turns out, knowing my numbers was pretty important. I’ve been able to make changes early which will hopefully prevent me from developing other conditions later on. Find out more about where you can get your blood pressure checked in Dorset. nhsdorset.nhs.uk/bloodpressure
Do you know your numbers? 1 in 3 adults in the UK have high blood pressure. An ideal blood pressure is under 120/80mmHg. 6 million people in the UK have high blood pressure and don’t know it. Every day in the UK, 350 people have a stroke or heart attack that could have been prevented.
In partnership with:
Know your Numbers! is a registered trademark of Blood Pressure UK
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NHS Health checks just got easier This free check can tell you if you’re at higher risk of getting health problems like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or a stroke. If you are aged 40 to 74 and are eligible you will be invited by your GP or pharmacy within the next 5 years. If you receive a letter or text, please book an appointment. Public Health Dorset (PHD) works with GPs and pharmacies to help deliver NHS Health Checks.
Targeted free NHS Health Checks The programme has recently expanded to local communities through PHD’s lifestyle service, LiveWell Dorset. See if you are eligible at livewelldorset.co.uk (choose ‘NHS health check’) or call free on 0800 840 1628.
If you feel unwell now
Find out more at publichealthdorset.org.uk/nhshealth-check or LiveWell 0800 840 1628.
If you’re worried about your health, do
Councils have a legal requirement to protect and improve health and wellbeing and to reduce health inequalities. Public Health Dorset does this on behalf of Dorset Council and BCP Council.
not wait for your NHS Health Check. Contact a GP, go online at 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for advice.
Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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Protecting shoppers and businesses Our Trading Standards team has a wealth of experience, and offers advice on animal welfare, how to recognise trusted sellers and traders, and what to do if you are the victim of a scam. They investigate reports of unfair trading and illegal business activity, and will stop rogue businesses operating, often through legal action. Recent cases include:
St Leonards resident ordered to pay over £373,000 and given a suspended prison sentence for the sale of counterfeit vinyl records Illegal puppy sellers from Three Legged Cross given 3 months to pay over £150,000 or risk up to 18 months in prison Ringwood business owner ordered to pay over £7,000 after losing control of a public fireworks display Car trader from Essex ordered to pay £6,864 for selling an unroadworthy car to a Dorset resident Livestock haulier from Shaftesbury found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to calves. Given 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £6,517
Trading Standards also offers free and impartial legal guidance to businesses to ensure they trade fairly and safely. Businesses can find more details by visiting dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/trading-standards Consumers who want to find out what to do if a business has broken the law or acted unfairly should contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.
Protect yourself from scammers If someone offers you goods or a service, take time to stop and think before parting with your money or information. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you. If you feel pressured into having work done or buying goods you don’t want, ask the trader to leave. Don’t give your bank PIN over the phone. Your bank would never ask you to do this. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you’ve handed over any financial and sensitive information or made a payment. Affected by a scam and need advice? Call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133
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Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Residents’ survey 2023 This October and November, doorstep interviewers will be asking for views about the council and the services we provide. The survey is being conducted on our behalf by Information by Design (IbyD). If you have been selected at random to take part, we hope you have your say. Interviewers will knock on doors between 10am and 8pm and will carry an official IbyD identification card with their photograph. If you have any concerns about who you are talking to, look up the organisation on the internet and call them, or call us on 01305 221000 to confirm it is a council survey.
Christmas and New Year recycling and waste Usual collection day
Revised collection day
Friday 22 December
No change
Monday 25 December
Wednesday 27 December
Tuesday 26 December
Thursday 28 December
Wednesday 27 December
Friday 29 December
Thursday 28 December
Saturday 30 December
Friday 29 December
Tuesday 2 January
Monday 1 January
Wednesday 3 January
Tuesday 2 January
Thursday 4 January
Wednesday 3 January
Friday 5 January
Thursday 4 January
Saturday 6 January
Friday 5 January
Monday 8 January
Monday 8 January
Tuesday 9 January
Tuesday 9 January
Wednesday 10 January
Wednesday 10 January
Thursday 11 January
Thursday 11 January
Friday 12 January
Friday 12 January
Saturday 13 January
Monday 15 January
No change
Festive recycling Many households produce extra waste over Christmas, but much of it can be recycled using your kerbside Recycle for Dorset service. Remember that you can recycle in your kerbside recycling bin: 1. wrapping paper (not foil or glittery paper, please) 2. cardboard boxes and recyclable packaging (not polystyrene) 3. Christmas cards (not glittery) and envelopes. 4. Place cooked and uncooked food in your food waste bin. See what items can be recycled at the kerbside at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/whichbin
Your recycling and waste collections over the festive period will be different from your usual day of the week. Refer to your calendar or visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ recycling to check your collection days.
Remember: 1. We will collect up to two extra sacks of rubbish beside your bin on your first rubbish collection after Christmas Day. 2. No garden waste collections will take place from Christmas Day until Monday 8 January. 3. Household recycling centres are open from 9am to 4pm daily, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. 4. Extra recycling, including glass and food, will be collected on your recycling collection day, provided it has been separated correctly and placed in a suitable sturdy container, no bags, that can be easily lifted by one person. 5. Please help our crews by putting your glass out for collection before Christmas. This
ensures you have as much space as possible in your glass box going into the festive period, helping prevent overspilling containers.
Christmas trees Dorset Council does not collect Christmas trees of any kind with rubbish or recycling at the kerbside. You can recycle your real Christmas tree by:
home composting it
cutting it up and placing it in your garden waste bin
taking it to a household recycling centre
booking a Christmas tree collection with a Dorset-based charity or service, check local availability Find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
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