Audio recordings of issue 12 of the magazine
Recordings of the summarised magazine content
Welcome
We have made huge progress since Dorset Council formed in 2019.
Despite being a large rural council with a large older population, we are in a better financial position than many other councils. Over £96 million saved has been reinvested in frontline services and we lead groups, influencing national matters. This has helped us secure £121 million extra funding, supporting initiatives like £19.5 million invested in energy-saving measures, saving us over £1 million a year in energy costs.
Thanks to your work, just 2 per cent of Dorset’s household waste is sent to landfill. Collaboration with organisations and communities helps residents facing financial challenges. We've transformed adult social care through Care Dorset, meaning more people can live independently at home.
Ofsted rated our children's services as 'Good' with 'Outstanding' leadership and we are investing £40 million to create more school places for children with special education needs.
We have halved the number of homeless cases by stepping in early with support, we have secured £19.5 million government funding for new homes and jobs in Weymouth. We are managing our verges in a more nature friendly way, helping pollinators and butterflies. We are enabling better digital connections. Thank you for your support to make Dorset a great place to live, work and visit.
This introduction is from the Chief Executive, rather than the political Leader of the Council, meeting with legal requirements as we approach our council elections in May.
Matt Prosser
Chief Executive
Get ready for the local elections
Dorset goes to the polls to elect councillors for Dorset Council and town and parish councils on 2 May 2024.
The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner election will also take place on 2 May.
Anyone who has just reached 18, or will do so by 2 May, needs to register to vote by 17 April.
Anyone who has moved house will need to register at their new address and anyone who has changed their name will need to register too by 17 April.
You can vote in person, by post, or by appointing someone trusted to vote on your behalf (known as a proxy vote).
If you plan to vote at a polling station, you will need a photo ID. Accepted ID includes driving licence (new plastic type with photo), passport, bus pass, concessionary travel pass, or a blue badge.
If you don’t have valid photo identification, you can apply for a free photo ID.
You can only vote at the polling station as named on your polling card.
If you need to talk to someone, call us on 01305 838299.
Magazine survey
Thank you if you took part in our survey about this magazine in the autumn edition. We received 500 responses.
- 90 percent said they would read all or some of the magazine to find out about council services
- 90 percent said Dorset Council News contains articles and stories that are relevant to them
- 80 per cent said they would like to continue having the magazine delivered to their home
- 54 per cent said something in the magazine had helped them or changed the way they do something
Bin collection dates were the most popular topic in the autumn edition.
We will use the feedback to help decide if the magazine is to continue in its current format.
Have you signed up to our new customer account?
It’s quick, easy and free to sign up for your new customer account with Dorset Council online.
You’ll get tailored council information related to where you live, including which bin to put out and when, and details about your local councillors.
More information and services will be added as we develop the web pages.
Sign up for an account on our website
Reduce your fashion footprint
£140 million worth of clothes are sent to landfill every year in the UK
Some clothing may be cheap, but materials, processing and transport have a huge environmental impact.
- buy wisely – do you really need it?
- buy pre-owned
- wash your clothes at the right temperature
- repair – there are clothes repairers around Dorset, or search online for sewing lessons
- hire for one-off occasions
- earn cash by selling your clothes, swap with friends, give to charity or organise a clothes swap event
More electric vehicle chargers
By 2030, we’re aiming to get 80 per cent of households within a 10-minute walk of a public electric vehicle chargepoint.
We have installed over 135 chargers across 41 towns. Thanks to new funding, we’re now working on installing chargepoints in villages.
If your community could benefit from a chargepoint, you can suggest possible locations
Advice for carers
Advice and information for carers is available on the new self-help website, Bridgit Care.
The easy access platform provides information about allowances, benefits, assessments, discounts, training, stress and anxiety. You can also build your own self-help plan.
You don’t need to register to benefit and it is available any time of day.
An unpaid carer is anyone who looks after a friend or family member who, due to their circumstances, cannot cope without their support.
If you cannot, or prefer not to go online, call Carer Support Dorset on 0800 368 8349 to discover free support and help.
Cooking up a treat
Thanks to money from the government’s Household Support Fund, a community group in Weymouth is learning how to prepare and cook healthy meals.
£5,000 was awarded to ’The Friendly Food Club’ this winter to run cookery lessons for adults at their day care centre. The workshops teach people how to cook, and provide a fun, safe environment to develop their food knowledge, independence, and skills.
Find out more about cookery courses for all ages
Over the last year, £277,755 was awarded to Dorset projects, see if your community or voluntary organisation could benefit
Tell us about empty homes
If you know of an empty home near you, please tell us. These are properties that typically have been unoccupied for at least two years.
An empty building can quickly fall into disrepair, negatively affect an area and, seeing it daily can be sad and frustrating. We may already be aware of a property, but if we don’t know about it, we can’t act.
Returning an empty property to use can provide a ‘new’ home and reduce pressure on the need for new development. It can also provide an income and asset for the owner.
For listed buildings, our conservation experts can guide the restoration works.
Last year, we assisted with the transformation of a Grade II listed cottage on Gold Hill, Shaftesbury.
In 2022, another derelict home in North Dorset was brought back to life after 20 years, with the help of loans and grant funding. The building is now a home for a local family who were on the housing register.
If you own an empty property or wish to report an empty home, complete our online form. Alternatively, call us on 01305 221000.
Council tax reduction
From 1 April 2024, the council tax reduction scheme is changing for customers of working-age. If you don’t already claim financial assistance with your council tax and are struggling, it is worth having a look to see if you could receive some help.
You may be eligible if:
- You pay council tax to Dorset Council
- You’re on a low income or claiming benefits
- You have capital below £6,000
You can also send an email to benefits@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or phone us on 01305 211930
Find out more about Council Tax support - Dorset Council
Recharging our greenspaces
Our countryside rangers maintain miles of public rights of way and highway verges, and nature sites across Dorset.
Until recently, the team has relied on noisy, heavy, petrol-powered tools to do their jobs. However, in a bid to drive down our carbon footprint, we’ve now swapped lots of these old fuel guzzlers with clean electric equivalents.
By installing solar panels on our depot and country park roofs, these new tools can be charged using 100% renewable energy.
Help make Dorset’s nature bigger and better
Our unique and diverse landscape is home to amazing wildlife, some so rare they can’t be found anywhere else.
But, like many places across the UK, our wildlife numbers are declining. That is why we’re working with residents, community groups and organisations on a plan to make Dorset’s nature bigger, better, and more joined up.
Find out more about the plan and how you can help
Connect with nature
Connecting with nature could be the perfect remedy to shake off those winter blues. Being outdoors has many benefits for our physical and mental health, so lace up those boots and see what Dorset has to offer!
Find a nature site in your area
Support for tree planting projects
If you have a community tree planting project that needs support, the Dorset Community Tree Fund could help.
Find out more about the fund and how to apply
Climate exhibition on tour this summer
Discover how our Low Carbon Dorset programme is helping local businesses and communities prepare for a greener and more sustainable future.
See inspiring photos and follow their stories this summer at our climate exhibition.
Find out when and where you can see it
Dorset has so many places to explore!
There are 4,700 footpaths, 1,700 bridleways and 37 byways.
There are 87 miles of coastline, most of which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a year round attraction for relaxation, walking and fossil hunting. Its beauty is due to it constantly changing.
Rockfalls and landslips are natural occurrences that have shaped our coast and continue to do so. If you visit the coastline, keep safe by staying away from the edge of the cliff tops and from the base of cliffs.
We manage four country parks and visitor centres with cafes. They offer accessible ways to enjoy many landscapes, making it easier to connect with nature.
Avon Heath
Terrific for families and accessible for all.
A great place to bird watch or see native reptile species.
Avon Heath Country Park - Dorset Council
Thorncombe Wood
Explore the landscape that inspired Thomas Hardy.
It is a magical pocket of mixed woodland and heath that includes a well preserved Roman road.
Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre - Dorset Council
Durlston Castle
A rolling landscape surrounding the Victorian castle.
Discover flower filled meadows, and explore the Victorian Pleasure Grounds and historic Great Globe. Take in an exhibition, or spot dolphins in the sea.
Country Park open all year round
Durlston Country Park | Durlston Country Park
Moors Valley
There’s something for everyone!
Enjoy a peaceful walk or cycle ride through the forest, experience a ride on a narrow-gauge steam train or Go Ape on a forest adventure swinging through the treetops.
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest - Enjoy, Experience, Explore (moors-valley.co.uk)
You can foster
Do any of the thoughts below stop you from fostering?
- I don’t have children of my own
- I work or have a busy lifestyle
- I have a pet
- I don’t own my own home
- I lack confidence and worry I don’t have the skills
They don’t need to. We welcome people from all backgrounds and circumstances, as long as you are over 18.
When you foster with us, you don’t do it alone. You enter a supportive and experienced fostering community, with access to 24/7 support, training and a weekly allowance.
If you have a spare room and time to help a young person, please get in touch. Call us on 01305 221000 or visit fosterwithdorsetcouncil.com
Family Hubs
Our family hubs offer information, advice, and services like health visits, parenting programs, and sessions on healthy living and managing finances. They bring together Dorset Council, health services, and community organisations to provide support.
They also offer social opportunities where you can meet other families, such as stay and play sessions.
Connect with your local Family Hub on Facebook, visit our web pages or pop into your local Family Hub for a chat at:
- The Centre, Ferndown
- Leigh Park, Wimborne
- Purbeck Youth and Community
- Foundation, Wareham
- Bridport Children’s Centre
Concerned about your child’s school attendance? You’re not alone
We understand that going to school can be challenging for some children and young people. If you or your child is struggling, here are some suggestions:
- Reach out to your school
- Contact your local early help team for assistance
- Get help if you think your child may have special education needs
More money for roads
An extra £4.1 million (just over £2 million each in 2023/24 and 2024/25) is being invested into our roads, enabling more maintenance and repair.
The money is from central government following the cancellation of the HS2 rail line extension to Manchester.
We focus our investment on keeping our roads in good condition, using treatments to prevent them deteriorating. The funding will help us speed up our programme, reaching more roads before cracking or potholes appear.
We will also use the extra money to fix potholes or bigger repairs.
In some cases, we need to resurface or reconstruct roads that have reached the end of their life. Some older roads need more resurfacing or reconstruction to keep them fit for the 21st century.
Whenever possible, we re-use a road’s existing materials by mixing with a binding product to form a sound base for the new surface.
Latest technology, including artificial intelligence, is helping us identify priority issues for repair.
The funding will enable us to trial new methods of patching (repairs).
Report a road problem
Sometimes problems arise between our regular inspections.
To report hazards, obstructions and dangerous situations that could cause damage or injury, call our 24-hour line on 01305 221020
Safer streets near schools
Three Dorset schools are taking part in a project to close roads outside their gates during drop-off and pick-up. Residents, blue badge holders and emergency vehicles still have access during these times.
This is enabling a less congested, more social and safer way to start and finish the school day.
Upton Junior School; St Osmund’s and Manor Park School, Dorchester; and Chickerell Primary have been taking part in the experimental scheme.
If you would like your school to take part, ask them to consider a School Street or contact us by email schoolstreets@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Help prevent suicide in just 20 minutes
With just 20 minutes of online training, you can feel confident having a conversation with someone you’re worried about, spot warning signs and know where to signpost people to.
The training for over 16s, is free and it’s confidential. There are also specific sessions for taxi drivers, and for families or friends of students, veterans, and men in prison.
Suicide is preventable, and together we can help people have the right support.
Get mental health support 24 hours a day
In an emergency always call 999
Call Samaritans on 116 123
Text SHOUT to 85258
Find other support, including bereavement
A healthy kick-start for ‘couch potato’ Maureen
Maureen knew she needed to lose weight, but it wasn’t until her doctor warned her she was pre-diabetic that she decided to act by registering with LiveWell Dorset.
“I was becoming a couch potato. I told myself it was okay but, after routine blood tests, I discovered I was borderline diabetic and that really frightened me.”
Maureen signed up for LiveWell’s kick-start weight-loss programme, with free coaching:
“I now eat healthy meals and exercise daily. I feel 100 per cent happier and healthier. LiveWell changed my life. The coaching is an amazing offer, I can’t believe it’s free”
See how LiveWell Dorset can help you or call freephone 0800 8401628
Volunteering improves lives
Dorset’s fantastic volunteers make a big difference to the wellbeing of residents. Those who are older or isolated can benefit hugely, living healthier lives for longer in their own homes.
If you know about voluntary work that improves the lives of older people near you, please tell us by answering a few quick questions on our website. Alternatively, call 01305 224 400.
See volunteering opportunities or call 01305 269214
Are you ready for the digital switchover?
By 2025 most telephone providers will move customers from analogue landlines to digital technology. Your telephone supplier will contact you before the switch.
You do not have to pay for a new service. Be wary of emails or phone calls asking for personal details or payment. If in doubt, hang up on calls and do not click on links in emails.
If you don’t have broadband, some providers will offer a simple internet connection for phone calls.
Telecare users will only be moved to digital if the provider or telecare company can provide a suitable alternative solution.
Age UK offers comprehensive advice. Search for landline telephones or call 0800 678 1602.
A doorway to a digital world
It was 2021, the country was in lockdown and everything in Simon’s world turned upside down.
In 2021, forced to give up his job as a primary school teacher due to mental health struggles, Simon had reached the lowest moment of his life.
Fast-forward two years, and thanks to support from the NHS Mental Health team and a gift from Dorset Council, Simon is facing a brighter future.
That gift, a laptop computer from the council’s Digital Doorway scheme, made Simon’s dream of being a self-employed craftsman a reality.
Digital Doorway gives laptops and tablets to digitally excluded residents. This could be through a lack of skills, confidence, or affordability.
To be considered for Digital Doorway, you must be referred by a professional, such as a social worker, GP or Citizens Advice officer.
Digital Doorway was made possible using funds raised by recycling old Dorset Council devices.
If you are an organisation and want to find out more or learn how to become a Digital Doorway funding partner, please send an email to digitaldorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Reducing food waste
Using your brown kerbside bin to dispose of your food waste helps the environment and saves the council money.
Our weekly collections of food waste are taken to a facility here in Dorset where they are broken down in sealed tanks. This produces biogas, an environmentally-friendly renewable energy source, meaning energy is created in a sustainable way without the need to burn fossil fuels.
Placing food waste in your brown bin is much cheaper for us to dispose of than general black bag waste. Twenty per cent of the general rubbish is still food waste which could be sent to our local treatment facility. Please help us keep costs down.
Your enthusiasm to dispose of food waste in your brown bins saves us money and reduces your environmental impact, which is good for public services and better for the planet too!
Did you know:
Adding a few layers of kitchen roll helps soak up liquid in your bin.
It’s easy to clean your kitchen caddy by swilling it with a mild detergent or bicarbonate of soda but never use bleach. You can also clean it in the dishwasher.