Help and support for Dorset residents this winter

Dorset Council and partners in the community response to COVID-19 are working together to offer help and support to struggling residents this winter. 

Efforts are focused on supporting families with children, people in financial difficulties and those facing loneliness and isolation over the festive season. 

The aim is to make sure vulnerable people have access to food and warm clothing for their children, and someone they can talk to if they need to. 

Find out more about the help and support on offer this winter:

Help to deal with financial struggles

People experiencing financial difficulties are urged to seek help by calling the Dorset Citizens Adviceline on Freephone 0800 144 8848 or textphone 0800 144 8884. 

By calling the Adviceline, anyone struggling to pay their rent, mortgage, debts or other bills can access free expert help and advice and secure a referral to a local foodbank or community food initiative if needed. 

Comprehensive information to help people find support is also available online at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/reaching-out.  

Coping with isolation and loneliness

Anyone staying at home because of COVID-19 without the support of family, friends or neighbours can request help from the Dorset Together team. Support on offer includes food shopping and delivery, collection of prescriptions, dog walking and befriending.  

Help can be accessed via our online form or by calling the Dorset Together helpline on 01305 221000, 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

Digital Hotline

People with queries about getting online or improving online skills can call the Dorset Digital Hotline on 01305 221048, Monday to Friday from 10am – noon. Outside of those times you can leave a message and a Digital Champion will get back to you. 

If you are on a low income and do not have a broadband connection or device at home to connect to the internet, it may be possible to help you to get set up.  

Cllr Jill Haynes Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services said:

“Dorset’s residents have been fantastic throughout the pandemic and I wish to thank our communities for pulling together to support one another.

“Whether by simply adhering to the restrictions to keep infection levels down or going the extra mile to lend support to fellow residents through difficult circumstances, the community spirit demonstrated in Dorset is something we can all be proud of.

“That said, we know this is going to be a difficult winter for many people in Dorset. On behalf of the council and our Dorset Together partners, I want to offer reassurance that we are doing all we can to help and support those who are most vulnerable.

“No one should be cold, hungry or feel alone. If you don’t have a support network in place, for whatever reason, please call our Dorset Together helpline on 01305221000 or ask for help online at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/coronavirus”

What else is being done for families?

Free School meals during the Christmas holidays

Dorset Council is working with schools to make sure families who need it (including those who receive free school meals) can receive food vouchers during the holidays. Families will receive details of the scheme direct from their school. 

Dorset Council is also working with partner agencies to target support to help families facing fuel poverty this winter.

Find out more about support for families this winter.

Free coats and pyjamas for kids

Following the launch of our Cosy at Christmas Appeal, new and nearly new coats and pyjamas for children have been flooding in across Dorset.

We’re now encouraging parents and carers to come and pick-up items for free from Monday 14th December.

Find locations and opening times of pick-up points.