Building Social Connections across Dorset

Representatives from the Voluntary Community Sector, faith groups and health and social care staff came together this week to discuss the value of social connections.

The event, which also showcased a range of fantastic community project, was the latest stakeholder conversation jointly organised by Dorset Council and the Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly (VCSA).

It highlighted how connecting with one another underpins wellbeing, resilience and inclusion and reduces loneliness, isolation and their associated health inequalities. Social connectedness also creates stronger, safer and more vibrant communities and builds trust, belonging and mutual support across both places and generations.

Councillor Steve Robinson, Cabinet Portfolio lead for Adult Social Care, said that being part of a community was so important for people's physical and mental wellbeing.

Cllr Robinson, who is also chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, added: "We all need to have people who love, care, appreciate and accept us and we need to feel valued as part of a community."

Paula Bennetts, Programme Director Dorset Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly, said people who were better connected to communities better understood the support that was available.

Ms Bennetts added VCSE group were at the heart of communities, often acting as a bridge to statutory partners. They provided safe spaces, activities, volunteering opportunities and peer support and were able to offer early intervention and prevention by spotting issues before they escalated.

The event, held at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester, showcased a range of projects that included:

* Waffle Lyme - a non-profit cafe in Lyme Regis, which is providing an opportunity for people to connect and is working with groups such as Parkinsons UK, Age UK, Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, Scouts, Help and Care and Lyme Regis Foodbank.

* In Jolly Good Company - a dementia friendly organisation with six centres across north and east Dorset that helps to alleviate the physical and mental issues caused by isolation and loneliness through art, music, crafts and gardening.

* People First Dorset - the charity for adults with learning difficulties that enables people to form new friends and have a voice in the community through its network of Friendship Clubs and Speaking Up groups.

* The Drop In Portland - an independent youth service supporting young people on Portland, aged between 8-21, which has 390 people registered and is a safe and inclusive environment for young people to build self-confidence.

* Healthwatch Dorset - the local health and social care champion that makes sure NHS leaders and other decision makers hear residents' voices and concerns.

* Dorset Mental Health Forum - the values-based charity influencing social change and advocating for social justice, ensuring that more people understand mental health, wellbeing and recovery.

An online follow up session is planned for later this month ahead of an event report.

The next stakeholder conversation will be on Age Friendly Communities, which will take place in November.

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