News & Events

The Carers UK logo and a cartoon image of a megaphone with the words, Make your voice heard coming out.  State of Caring 2025 appears at the bottom
25th Jul

Carer's UK State of Caring survey 2025 has launched!

The State of Caring survey is the UK’s most comprehensive regular research into the lives and experiences of unpaid carers. It is used as a vital source of evidence not only by Carers UK, but by many other organisations including Government, local authorities, health and social care services, charities and carers groups.

The survey for 2025 has now been launched - if you look after a loved one, please take some time to complete the survey, it will help get a better understanding about the lives of unpaid carers in the UK

Complete the survey online here>>

The survey closes on the 10th of August 2025

For more information about the survey follow this link to the Carers UK website>>

A mother and a newborn baby
20th Jul

Supporting a Better Start in Life with Start for Life


Start for Life is a NHS programme designed to give every infant the best possible beginning. By offering trusted NHS advice and support, the campaign empowers parents and carers with the knowledge and tools they need from the very start of their parenting journey.

Whether you're a mum, dad, partner, or carer, Start for Life provides practical guidance on key topics like breastfeeding, introducing solid foods, and developing vital communication, language, and literacy skills. Through simple everyday activities like chatting, playing, and reading, parents can build strong foundations for their child’s future.

Personalised Support, Every Step of the Way
One of the most popular features of the campaign is the Start for Life email programme, offering tailored NHS advice at every stage of pregnancy and early parenthood. With different programmes available for mums, dads, partners, and carers, support is personalised and inclusive.

What you can expect from the email programme:

  • Weekly updates tailored to your pregnancy stage or baby’s age
  • Translations available in multiple languages
  • Helpful tips on baby’s development, feeding options, mental wellbeing, and bonding
  • Expert advice on pregnancy health, antenatal classes, birth preparation, and safe exercise
  • And it works — 96% of subscribers say they would recommend the Start for Life emails to new parents (according to a YouGov survey).

Explore More Resources
Alongside the email programme, Start for Life offers a rich library of digital tools and resources to support parents at every step. From video tutorials to expert articles and interactive guides, the support is there when you need it.

👉 Find out more and sign up today by visiting the Start for Life website>>

Start your journey with confidence — because every baby deserves the best start in life.

a china pot of tea being poured into a cup
1st Jul

Our Monthly Afternoon Tea Event for Carers - July 2025

This month's Afternoon Tea event for carers will take place Monday the 28th of July between 2 and 3.30 pm at 

Parley Place Care Home
300 Christchurch Rd
West Parley
Ferndown
BH22 8SL

Why not join our friendly Social Prescribing team to chat chat, and learn about support and advice available to carers - as well as enjoy a cup or two of tea?  All carers (and cared for) registered with Crane Valley PCN surgeries are welcome!
 
So that we know to expect you, please call or text Rachel on 07462 521670, Kate on 07462 050616 or email cranevalleysocialprescribers@dorsetgp.nhs.uk

Follow this link to download and view a calendar of 2025 Carer Afternoon Tea event dates>>

a shoulder badge for a member of the UK Army, the Armed Forces veteran friendly accredited GP practice logo and the words, Proud to support our Armed Forces, we're a Veteran Friendly GP practice.  The logos of the NHS and the Royal Colleage of General Practitioners
27th Jun

The GP Practices in our Network are Armed Forces Veteran Friendly Accredited

This UK Armed Forces Day 2025, we're proud to share that all GP Practices in our Network are officially Armed Forces Veteran Friendly Accredited—supporting those who’ve served, every step of the way.

At the end of last year, a survey of nearly 5,000 veterans commissioned by the Royal College of General Practitioners and NHS England earlier this year found that 98% of primary care networks (PCNs) have at least one veteran-friendly accredited practice, and 62% of GP practices are accredited across England.   Two-thirds of the respondents said knowing their GP practice is veteran-friendly would make them more likely / much more likely to seek medical help.

Crane Valley PCN is proud that the Barcellos Family Practice, The Cranborne Practice (including Lake Road Surgery), Verwood Surgery and West Moors Village Surgery are Armed Forces veteran-friendly accredited GP Practices. 

If you are a veteran patient, please tell your surgery that you have served so that your GP can ensure they understand your health needs.

a female office working putting up a poster on a board
19th Jun

Public health services update across Dorset

There’s been a change in how public health services are delivered across Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The previously shared Public Health Dorset service has now been separated, and public health services are now managed by:

This change allows each council to tailor services more closely to the needs of their communities.

For ongoing health and wellbeing news, updates and information, please subscribe to the main council news:

an older man walking with a cane through the woods to a car park, the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner's logo and the Dorset Police logo
19th May

The Herbert Protocol - protecting and supporting volunerable people

The Herbert Protocol, a national scheme set up to protect and support vulnerable people and enable them to retain their independence, has been refreshed here in Dorset.  
 
The Herbert Protocol is a form that carers, family or friends of a vulnerable person, or the person themselves can fill in.  Keeping a completed form saves the worry of trying to recall the information during the stressful time of someone going missing. It also saves time for the police, allowing the search to start sooner.

A link to more information about the protocol can be found on the Dorset Police website here>>
 
Or watch this YouTube video developed by Dorset Police with funding from Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner's office>>  
 
 
An AI generated image of older people laughing together over a coffee and the words Held and support to meet people.  The Crane Valley PCN Connect logo appears below.
13th May

Why not look at our patient information pack on local social groups?

Did you know that prolonged loneliness has been linked to increased stress levels, a weakened immune system, and makes individuals more susceptible to illnesses?
 
Social groups offer a platform to meet new people, make friends, and build meaningful relationships. They can provide a network for support, especially during difficult times.
 
Download and view our information pack on social groups in the community by following this link>>
 
If you know of a great local social group or organisation we should consider adding to our list, please  email cranevalleypcn@dorsetgp.nhs.uk and let us know!
The Community SWITCH website Home page
12th May

Mental Health Awareness Week - focussing on ‘community’.

This Mental Health Awareness Week is an excellent time to highlight our Community SWITCH programme—SWITCH stands for Supporting Wellbeing Improving the Community’s Health.
 
We know a patient’s health and well-being extend beyond traditional medical care. Community SWITCH goes beyond the ordinary by empowering people with additional tools and opportunities that are available in the community to manage their health effectively.
 
Community SWITCH is a programme of self-help and signposting services identified and reviewed by social prescribers and members of our network's Patient Participation Groups.
 
Unlock the potential of in-community health care and wellbeing support. Find your support on Community SWITCH.
 
Visit the Community SWITCH website here>>
Scam email message
30th Apr

Scam Alert - Patient GP Registration

We’ve been alerted to a scam email targeting some patients in England, asking them to update their details to stay registered with their GP. It directs recipients to install software — this is not legitimate.
There is no official programme (local or national) asking patients to confirm registration via additional software.  These messages can look genuine but are not from the NHS. Don’t click any links—just delete it.
 
If you do need to update your details, the safest way is to contact your GP surgery directly.
 
Please be assured that the official NHS App remains a safe and secure way to manage your health.
 
For advice on how to spot a scam and report any concerns, please contact Action Fraud:
 
Or call 0300 123 2040
A woman jumping, the NHS and Better health Smoke free logo and the words "Since quitting, I've got more energy to keep up with the kids.  March 12 Take back kyour life this No Smoking Day.
12th Mar

Take Back Your Life - Quit Smoking today

There are lots of good reasons to stop smoking - what’s yours?
Whether it’s to improve your health, protect the health of those you love or save money, there are so many positives.  Getting support from your local stop smoking service gives you the best chance of quitting smoking successfully.
A healthcare assistant speaking with an older man in a GP surgery clinic room
10th Mar

Your Health Matters

If you’re aged 40-74 and receive an invitation for an NHS Health Check from your GP, say yes!
 
The NHS Health Check is specifically designed for people aged 40 to 74 because this is when the risk of developing conditions like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and dementia starts to increase. The check helps spot early warning signs and supports people in making lifestyle changes to reduce their risk.
 
Event poster
22nd Jan

Join us at our monthly Carer events

Why not join our local Social Prescribing Team at one of our monthly Carer Afternoon Teas and enjoy a friendly chat or receive useful support and advice?

We meet in the afternoons on the last Monday of each month (except August, when we meet on the Tuesday after the bank holiday).

All carers (and cared for) registered with any surgeries in our network are welcome!

For more information, please call or text Rachel on 07462 521670, Kate on 07462 050616 or email cranevalleysocialprescribers@dorsetgp.nhs.uk

Follow this link to download a copy of our event calendar>>

The Community SWITCH logo and the silhouette of a woman looking away from the camera
25th Nov 2024

Supporting Women’s Health Through Every Stage

Perimenopause and menopause can bring unique challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone.
 
We have added a new section on the range of resources and support services tailored to women’s health and wellbeing during this transformative time to our Community SWITCH website.  This includes:
  • Expert advice on managing symptoms
  • Local support groups and communities
  • Tips for self-care and healthy living
Empower yourself with the right tools and support by visiting the Community SWITCH Menopause Support page here>>
HM Government and NHS logos and the image of a painter decorator and the words Not being able to raise your arm could be a sign of a stroke.
6th Nov 2024

Help Us, Help You - Face or Arm or Speech, at the first sign, it’s Time to call 999

Even if it doesn’t seem like much, at the first sign of a stroke call 999.

A stroke strikes every five minutes. Every year in the UK, there are around 100,000 strokes, causing 38,000 stroke-related deaths, and it is a leading cause of disability. 

The first sign of a stroke might not seem serious. Like not being able to raise your arm, or struggling to smile, or slurring when you speak. 
 
Even if it doesn’t seem like it, any sign of a stroke is always an emergency, so call 999 immediately if you or someone else experiences a single symptom.

Learn more here>>

Wold Menopause Day 2024 - Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy
16th Oct 2024

World Menopause Day - 18th October 2024

October 18th is World Menopause Day, which is held annually to raise awareness of menopause and to support options to improve health and well-being for women in midlife and beyond. The theme for World Menopause Day 2024 is "Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)".

The UK based International Menopause Society has created an information leaflet on “The 5 Ws of Menopause Hormone Therapy” – a practice guide to learn more about MHT (traditionally called Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT). Download a copy of the guide here>>

The Society has also developed a website for women to provide reliable information about menopause and mid life women’s health from the world’s leading experts.

Follow this link to visit their website>>

 

UK Government logo and the words do you know someone aged 66 or over?  They could be entitled to Pension Credit and get the Winter Fuel Payment.
12th Oct 2024

Could you, or someone you know, be msising out on Pension Credit?

A friend or family member aged 66 or over could be missing out on Pension Credit.

Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. It provides financial support and they could get additional help such as the Winter Fuel Payment. It gives you extra money to help with living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.

You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.

You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income or savings or own your own home.

Check eligibility here>>

For more information on how to apply, download this flyer from the Department of Works and Pension>>

A man using the Viso app, the PCN logo, the Viso logo and the words, BP@Home - monitoring your blood pressure with the Viso app
28th Jul 2024

Know your Numbers - Check your Blood Pressure at Home with Viso

We believe every adult in the UK should know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height and weight. When you #KnowYourNumbers, you can take steps to manage your blood pressure and lead a long and healthy life.
 
The GP Practices in our network offer patients the opportunity to monitor their blood pressure at home and share their readings directly with their GP using the Viso app. High blood pressure, or hypertension, rarely has noticeable symptoms. But if untreated, it increases the risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
 
In line with NHS England recommendations, NHS Dorset is partnering with Omron Healthcare to implement blood pressure (BP) monitoring at home using the Viso app.
 
UK Health Security Agency and NHS logos and the words The RSV vaccines is available from September 2024. Speak to your midwife, GP practice of health team
24th Jul 2024

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccinations

The UK will become the first country in the world to roll out a national vaccination programme against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), protecting infants & older people from becoming seriously ill. RSV accounts for 39,000 hospitalisations each year.
From 1 Sept, vaccination to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) will be offered to:
 
• Pregnant women (over 28 weeks) to help protect newborn babies
• Adults aged 75+
 
GP Practices in our network plan to vaccinate as many people as possible during September and October 2024 before the expected RSV season. Eligible patients in our network of GP Practices will be contacted with an offer of the RSV vaccine once clinic details are finalised.
 
a man using a smartphone, the NHS Dorset logo and the words, Have you used a digital health tool or app? We need your stories and experiences to support people in Dorset and inspire others to adopt these life=changing tools.
20th Jul 2024

Have you used a digital health tool or app?

If you have used a digital health tool or app, like the NHS App or Viso BP@Home and are a resident of Dorset, the NHS wants to hear from you! 

How will your story be used?
Your stories help us raise awareness of these life-changing tools and improve our services. They may be featured on NHS Dorset platforms, shared in communications, and used in marketing to promote our digital services.

To learn more and share your experiences, please follow this link>>

a woman practising Tai Chi
1st May 2024

Parks in Mind: courses and activities to help improve your health and wellbeing

Parks in Mind provides fun nature conservation and other outdoor activities in Bournemouth’s beautiful parks and open spaces to deliver health and wellbeing benefits to the people taking part.  Each month the team publishes a programme of activities including fun wildlife conservation, nature-inspired art and craft, wellbeing, and excerise.  

Check out the Parks Foundation website for the latest programme information>>

Or visit their Facebook page for updates.

 

Depicts a woman wtih cancer putting on make up
21st Feb 2024

Look Good Feel Better - Wellbeing workshops and classes for people living with cancer

 
It can be challenging to process a cancer diagnosis and manage the physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatment. That’s why the national charity Look Good Feel Better runs free workshops in small groups, virtually (online) and in person, to give practical advice and support to people with cancer. Locally, face-to-face workshops take place in Bournemouth, Salisbury, and Southampton.
 
Every workshop offers an invaluable opportunity to talk to others in a similar situation while helping support people with their changing appearance.
 
 
Empty medicines blister packs and recycling boxes
16th Feb 2024

Empty Medicines Blister Pack Recycling Service

We are happy to promote the empty blister pack recycling service which Verwood Town Council offers at the Town Council offices between 9am and 1pm weekdays. The Council offices are located at 28 Vicarage Road BH31 6DR.
 
For more on recycling points in our area and tips and advice on recycling in the local area, may we direct you to the Verwoodians on Waste website here>>
👉 https://www.vowverwood.com
Commummunitiy Switch Supporting Wellbeing Improving The Community's Health
9th Feb 2024

Community SWITCH - a Path to Improved Health and Well-being

We and the GP Practices in our network want to do all we can to help you with your well-being needs. 

We are excited to introduce a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance local people's overall health and quality of life – Community SWITCH.

As your dedicated healthcare partner, your GP surgery understands that your well-being extends beyond traditional medical care. That's why we're committed to going beyond the ordinary and empowering you with additional tools and opportunities to manage your health effectively.

Follow this link to discover more about the aims of Community SWITCH and how it works>>

a candle
17th Jan 2024

You don't have to navigate bereavement alone

For people living with grief or struggling to move forwards due to a loss, it’s crucial to seek support and look after themselves during this challenging time to mitigate the negative health consequences of bereavement.
 
Your local surgery's Social Prescribers’ Health & Wellbeing Team has established a Bereavement Group to bring together people who have experienced loss and grief.
 
Informal meetings of the local Bereavement Group are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at the Crane Valley Primary Care Network Bungalow at 131 Newtown Road, Verwood BH31 6EH.  Tea, Coffee and biscuits are provided. 
 
Come along for an informal chat with others going through this challenging time.
 
Download and view our leaflet here>> or, for more information, call the Social Prescribing team on 07462 0506168 or 07462 521670.  Alternatively, email cranevalleysocialprescribers@dorsetgp.nhs.uk.
The NHS logo and the words, Have you got Long Covid?  If you are suffering the effects or symptoms of long COVID, seek advice from your GP.  they may refer you onto the Post-COVID Service who can assess and put things in place to help you start to feel yourself again.
2nd Nov 2023

Are you recovering from Long COVID?

If you have had symptoms of COVID-19 for 12 weeks or more since having a suspected or positive COVID-19 infection, you should speak to your GP surgery about a referral to the Dorset Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) Service. Dorset PCS provides specialist support for people who have ongoing symptoms of COVID-19 for 12 weeks or more. Any member from the clinical team at your GP practice can refer you to Dorset Post-COVID Service, not just your GP.
 
 
a person holding a smartphone, the NHS logo and the words Online access to GP health records.  Over 12 million patients withonline accounts now have full access to their new GP health record entries.  Over 2,700 practices now offer this access to their patients by default.
28th Oct 2023

Online access to GP health records

From November 2023 all patients in our network who are over 16 will be able to view notes and health records. This includes notes from GP surgery appointments, test results, medications, and letters we receive from hospitals. These can be viewed online via the NHS App, NHS website, SystmOnline or the Airmid app. If you don't want your record to be available online, please speak with the Reception or Patient Services team at your surgery. For more, please visit our information web page here>>

a woman huddled in bed with blankets and a jacket looking out a window to a wintery view
27th Oct 2023

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD is a kind of seasonal depression triggered by shorter daylight hours and worsening weather. It impacts one in twenty people every year in the UK. Those who experience SAD often: 

  • lose interest in everyday activities or hobbies
  • find it hard to stay connected with family and friends
  • feel anxious or irritable or struggle to go outside

Sound familiar? Then you could be experiencing SAD.

With the clocks going back this weekend and the sun setting earlier, we want to help you care for yourself or someone else experiencing SAD.  Healthwatch England have helpful information about SAD and how you can manage it on their website here>>

The South West Advocacy Network logo
11th Aug 2023

Integrated Adult Pan Dorset Advocacy Service now available

SWAN (South West Advocacy Network) is a leading independent advocacy charity – providing advocacy services throughout the south west and bordering counties since 1999.  SWAN now offers an Advocacy Service across the county of Dorset. 

This integrated adult advocacy service includes statutory and generic advocacy elements including:

  • Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy  including Safeguarding Advocacy, Litigation Friend and Relevant Persons Representative
  • Independent Mental Health Advocacy
  • Care Act Advocacy
  • General / Generic advocacy
  • Continuing Healthcare Advocacy
  • Advocacy for parents during care proceedings
  • Carers Advocacy

For more information, please follow this link to download and view a leaflet which sets out the advocacy services that they currently offer across Pan Dorset. 

Or visit their website here>>

a screenshot of the Bridgit online tool
6th Jul 2023

Bridgit - the quick and easy online support tool

People who regularly look after a family member or friend can now explore resources to support them using an online tool known as Bridgit.  It's quick and easy way for carers or cared for people  to learn about health conditions, get personal advice and find local events and services.

Brought to you by Dorset Council, Bridgit allows people to explore free well-being, employment, finance and care advice and events, local and national support services and training opportunities. People can also build their own ‘self-care plan’. It’s all available any time of day and without registering first.

While registering as a carer unlocks more support, a listening ear, offers and discounts, we recognise people can be worried about requesting outside help. With Bridgit, people can discover the resources first, then sign up for more support if they choose to, and this can include an online carer’s assessment.

Designed by carers and care experts, Bridgit resources are tailored to the busy and often stressful lives of people who regularly care for others. It is also designed to be user-friendly, with simple navigation and a clean layout so people can explore comfortably, even with limited digital skills.

Visit www.bridgit.care/support/dorset to access the Bridgit tool.  People who prefer not to, or cannot go online, can call Carer Support Dorset on 0800 368 8349 to discover the free support and help available.

The NHS 75, the PCN and GP Practice logos, the image shows a hospital in 1948, two nurses in uniform and a modern day operating theatre scene with surgeons performing an operation
5th Jul 2023

The NHS at 75

5 July 2023 marks 75 years of the National Health Service. Treating 1.3 million people a day in England, the NHS touches all our lives.  The PCN and the GP Practices in our network are proud to be a small part supporting the people in our local community to obtain, regain and maintain a healthy quality of life. 

Read more about the NHS and how its met the health and wellbeing needs of successive generations>>

 

a wristwatch
29th Sep 2022

Improving Access to GP services

Enhanced Access is an NHS term for offering additional appointments in Primary Care.

 
From 3rd October, all practices in the Crane Valley Primary Care Network will offer appointments to see a GP, nurse or other healthcare professionals beyond the currently available surgery opening times on weekdays.
 
Extra appointment slots are being made available at The Barcellos Family Practice, The Cranborne Practice (including Lake Road Surgery), Verwood Surgery and West Moors Group Practice.
 
Earlier this year, our Practices consulted patients to understand their needs when determining when to offer extra appointments. Therefore, the days and times these appointments are being offered will vary between surgeries.
 
So, whether you're at school, working during the day, or busy with caring duties, if you'd prefer to be seen during these extended times, ask your GP Practice for further details.
An image of the Crane Valley PCN website home page
16th Aug 2022

The Crane Valley PCN website

If you access GP services in Cranborne, Ferndown, Verwood, or West Moors, you may not know about the Crane Valley Primary Care Network (PCN) and its role in delivering accessible local healthcare.

 

The Crane Valley PCN is a group of 4 local GP practices (The Barcellos Family Practice, The Cranborne Practice, Verwood Surgery and West Moors Group Practice).  Whilst each practice has its own identity, through the PCN, these practices work together to build on existing primary care provisions to improve patient access to NHS services cost-effectively. 

To keep the community informed and updated on our work, we have developed a new website, which allows us to share information on our services and projects as we progress and evolve. However, we are keen to highlight that this does not replace individual GP Practice websites, where you should continue accessing the information, advice, and relevant GPs services each provides to patients.
 
Since the launch of the NHS in 1948, the population has grown significantly, and people are living much longer. Many people in the UK today live with long-term conditions such as diabetes and heart disease or suffer mental health issues and may need to access their local health services more often.
 
To meet these changing needs, GP practices work closely with the community, mental health, social care, pharmacy, hospital and voluntary services in the PCN area. The joint approach taken during the recent COVID-19 Vaccination Programme is a prime example. The GP-led Crane Valley PCN vaccination site opened last year and has enabled practices in the area to accelerate the delivery of booster vaccines to local patients, delivering more than 6,000 doses to the local community.
 
We are planning more ambitious initiatives to support and sustain practices in our Network to enable a broader range of health and wellbeing services to benefit patients. As we develop our plans and information about our projects, we’ll publish these on this website and communicate more about them through digital and non-digital channels.
 
This website features images from local photographer Paul Waterkeyn. Thank you, Paul, for letting us showcase some of the beautiful East Dorset locations in our catchment area.
a woman in a kitchen
10th Aug 2022

Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

The Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is a free programme for those at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

If you're at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, you may be eligible to join your free local Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. This programme can support you to improve your diet, get more physically active and lose weight (where appropriate) to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The first thing you need to do is find out if you are at risk of developing the condition. You can do this by using the Diabetes UK risk tool below. You'll be asked a series of questions to identify if you are at a low, moderate or high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Make sure to have a tape measure handy as you'll need to measure your waist. You'll be invited to sign up to your free local Healthier You service if you're at moderate or high risk.

Find out more and how to get started with Local Support on the Live Well Taking Control website by following this link:>>

social media
3rd Jul 2022

The Crane Valley PCN is also on social media. 

 Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest information, news and events. 

Page last reviewed: 25 July 2025
Page created: 13 July 2022