News & Events
You don't have to navigate bereavement alone
New venue from 13th April 2026
New App for BP@Home: Introducing Luscii
Starting 23 March, we are moving from VISO to a new, improved platform called Luscii.
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Existing users: Follow the prompts within your current app to transition.
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New users: Your GP will provide setup details if you are joining the program.
This transition helps us provide more seamless care for your heart health.
Local Organisations Connect at Crane Valley PCN Event - 14th January 2026
On January 14th, more than 50 people from Ferndown, West Moors, Verwood, and surrounding areas gathered for a dynamic community networking and information event hosted by Crane Valley Primary Care Network (PCN). This gathering was a cornerstone of the PCN’s Community SWITCH initiative, bringing together local groups, services, and partners to share information and explore how a collaborative approach can better support local health and wellbeing.
Carer events dates 2026
Each month, the Crane Valley Social Prescribers Health and Wellbeing team hosts a carers’ afternoon tea. It’s a chance for carers to take a break from daily routines and enjoy tea, cake, and relaxed conversation in a warm, welcoming setting.
These sessions are open to all carers and the people they care for who are registered with GP surgeries in our network. Events rotate between Parley Place in Ferndown and the Heathland Heritage Centre in Verwood, and take place between 2 and 3.30 pm on the third Monday afternoon each month (except May, which is on the Tuesday after the Bank Holiday).
If you or someone you know is a carer who might enjoy coming along, please join us and connect with others.
Use this link to download a copy of the Crane Valley PCN Carers Event dates for 2026>>
Ferndown based events at Parley Place Barchester Care Home:
Monday 26th January 2026
Monday 23rd March 2026
Tuesday 26th May 2026
Monday 27th July 2026
Monday 28th September 2026
Monday 23rd November 2026
Verwood based events at Heathland Heritage Centre:
Monday 23rd February 2026
Monday 27th April 2026
Monday 22nd June 2026
Monday 24th August 2026
Monday 26th October 2026
Monday 21st December 2026
For more information, please call or text Rachel on 07462 521670, Kate on 07462 050616 or email cranevalleysocialprescribers@dorsetgp.nhs.uk
Changes to gluten-free food on NHS prescriptions
Following national guidance, NHS Dorset has recently requested that our GP practices cease prescribing gluten-free foods. This is because NHS Dorset has one of the highest expenditures on gluten-free products in the country, despite having a relatively small population, and the NHS must ensure that funding is used in ways that benefit as many people as possible.
What does this mean for you?
Gluten-free products are now widely available in supermarkets and online. If you rely on gluten-free foods, you will still be able to purchase them directly, but they will no longer be provided on NHS prescription.
If you need support with managing coeliac disease or your diet, don't hesitate to get in touch with your GP practice.
Thank you for your understanding as we work together to make the best use of NHS resources for the whole Dorset community. For more information, visit the NHS Dorset website here>>
Concerned about drug or alcohol addiction?
Taking the first step towards recovery can feel daunting, but help is available. Reach Drug and Alcohol Services provided by Waythrough is for people who want support to manage, reduce or stop their drug and/or alcohol use or those worried about someone else's.
The After-Reach Support group offers ongoing peer support for people who have completed the REACH programme for alcohol and drug addiction. They meet weekly in Ferndown on Monday evenings.
Join an East Dorset Health Walk!
Step into better health and new friendships — join a free East Dorset Health Walk, led by trained volunteers!
These walks are ideal for beginners and offer a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and meet new people. The walks are free of charge, please just turn up there is no need to book.
Find a walk near you>>
Please note no dogs are allowed on these listed walks.
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>>
Your Health Matters
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.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>>
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 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.
Page created: 13 July 2022
