Directory: Community and Social Support
#WillDoes
We are a charity fundraising and supporting young people’s mental well-being through activities. We cover Dorset and the surrounding area
All Things Bright and Beautiful
For carers and those they care for – every Tuesday at 2.30pm at St Mary’s Church Swanage, a short simple service followed by tea, cake and chat.
Art Workshop
Gently therapeutic art and craft, suitable for beginners and improvers. People with disabilities and life challenges especially welcome.
Welcoming and supportive community. £6.50 per session payable for a half term in advance. Introductory session £8.
People on income-related benefits can apply for a Bursary – £2 per session. Friday Mornings in term time 10am–12pm.
All Saints Hall, Ulwell Road. Please ring to check we have space.
Dorset Home Library Service
The Home Library Service offers a free regular delivery of books and talking books, chosen individually for each person. It is available to those who cannot easily get to the library due to health or mobility issues, including carers.
We provide a regular supply of reading materials, as well as a much looked forward to visit by a trusted volunteer.
Covering all of Dorset (our volunteers deliver books and talking books from Swanage, Corfe Castle, Wareham and Wool Libraries across the whole of the Purbeck area).
Deliveries are made every 3 weeks on a regular day and time; people can contact the Home Library Service on 01305 236666, or speak to a member of staff at any library to apply for the service.
Help and Care – Dorset Self Management Service
We offer a non-clinical social prescribing service. Clients can access sessions offered by our teams throughout Dorset who will help address issues that are affecting day to day life.
Helping a person to have more good days and feeling able to address the things that get in the way. People may have a long- term health condition, caring responsibilities, work uncertainty or money worries for example. The service helps people to self- manage the action they might decide to take and help build resilience.
On a more practical level, the service can also identify activities and support groups that may be of interest and where appropriate they can introduce them or even accompany someone to a group for the first time. We can offer telephone, video or face to face appointments or a mixture of all.
Following receipt of a referral, an initial conversation providing more details about the service and how it might help will also include agreed method of future contact. Dorset Wide Service 9am-5pm Monday to Friday 18+ Must be registered with a GP in Dorset.
Steps2Wellbeing Southampton & Dorset
Steps2Wellbeing is a free, NHS talking therapies service for adults over 18 years old in Dorset and Southampton City.
The service is part of Dorset HealthCare, an NHS trust which specialises in mental health support and treatment.
Accepts referrals and self-referrals – details on the website
Swanage Communty Café
Mondays 10am till 12pm at Herston Village Hall, come and join us for a cuppa and a friendly welcome. Citizen’s Advice Drop in every week.
Swanage Disabled Club
We have our social meetings/outings for local elderly/disabled residents with transport provided.
We meet every Monday at All Saints Church Hall, Ulwell, 2pm till 4pm £2 per meeting.
Contact: Sue Payne, Secretary
Swanage Linking Lives
Befriending service aims to reduce loneliness and improve involvement in the local community. Drop in centre for coffee and conversation.
Place of Welcome Tuesday and Thursday 10am till 12 noon. No need to book.
Find us at 103 High Street Swanage, next to the Methodist Church.