News & Events
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>>
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.
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>>
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.
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:
- BCP Council – Public Health and Communities Directorate
- Dorset Council – Public Health and Prevention Directorate
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:
The Herbert Protocol - protecting and supporting volunerable people
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>>
Why not look at our patient information pack on local social groups?
Mental Health Awareness Week - focussing on ‘community’.
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.
Take Back Your Life - Quit Smoking today
Your Health Matters
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
Supporting Women’s Health Through Every Stage
- Expert advice on managing symptoms
- Local support groups and communities
- Tips for self-care and healthy living
Help Us, Help You - Face or Arm or Speech, at the first sign, it’s Time to 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.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>>
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.
For more information on how to apply, download this flyer from the Department of Works and Pension>>
Know your Numbers - Check your Blood Pressure at Home with Viso
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccinations
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>>
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.
Look Good Feel Better - Wellbeing workshops and classes for people living with cancer
Empty Medicines Blister Pack Recycling Service
https://www.vowverwood.comCommunity 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>>
You don't have to navigate bereavement alone
Are you recovering from Long COVID?
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>>
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>>
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.
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 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>>
Improving Access to GP services
Enhanced Access is an NHS term for offering additional appointments in Primary Care.
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.
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.
Page created: 13 July 2022
