Towards a new model for day opportunities - a new way of delivering opportunities in Dorset

Progress so far 

In 2021, and again in 2023, we asked people who use day opportunities about their experiences.  

They told us they would like a wider choice of local activities with more flexible options. They also said that they wanted to be able to do activities during the evening and weekends. 

Speaking to people has helped understand what people want from day opportunities. We need to change the way we deliver these to give people more choice and flexibility.

We are proposing to introduce hubs across the county. Here you could:

• visit to find information
• meet friends
• find out what is happening in your area
• join activities that may be of interest to you

The hubs will connect to a range of community activities (spokes) which will include:

• specialist services
• libraries
• community centres
• cafes
• community groups

The community activities (spokes) will provide a wider range of activities. They will also offer more times people can use them, to include evenings and weekends.

Day opportunities are activities which will help you develop new skills. They will help you to maintain, or increase your independence or support your care needs.  

Day opportunities can be: 

• life skills training 
• support to find a job 
• time at a day centre 
• a sporting activity 
• clubs and social activities 
• less formal activities such as time with friends, nature walks or visits to the local town centre

Consultation

We want to talk to you about the proposed changes to day opportunities across Dorset. This is your chance to help us to develop the right way to provide the service.  

We would like to share our ideas with you about our proposed hub, spoke and specialist model. We want to hear your thoughts and understand how this might work in your local community.

No one will lose access to a day opportunity. Following the consultation, if the proposals are agreed, there may be changes to how they are delivered.  

Our formal consultation period will start on Tuesday 11 March 2025. It will be open for a period of 90 day's ending at midnight on 9 June 2025. 

Please come and join us at an online event to share your thoughts.