Your thoughts wanted to help shape Dorset’s day services

Big changes could be on the way for day services in Dorset.

Dorset Council is running a Hub and Spoke Day Opportunities Model consultation until 9 June, which proposes the provision of a network of core hubs in each area of the county. This would reduce the need for people to travel, sometimes considerable distances, to reach daily activities and support.

The “spokes” represent the vast range of different organisations, charities, churches, projects and activities that already take place across the county including walking groups, swimming, volunteering, gardening, performing arts, lunch clubs and knit and natter groups. They will be supported by the work of the hubs in connecting people and providing support and advice to strengthen their offer.

There will also be several specialist services, which may be based in either the hubs or in the community that will support people with speech and language therapy, specialist equipment and facilities, hoists and sensory rooms.

The consultation follows extensive engagement in 2021 and 2023 about what people wanted from their day opportunities. People said they wanted to have choice in the things that they can do with their day, were keen to be able do activities in the evenings and weekends and wanted to try new hobbies with support outside of the traditional day centres environment.

Cllr Steve Robinson, Cabinet Portfolio lead for Adult Social Care, said: “This consultation is a key strand within our vision of Communities For All. It aims to provide a large variety of choices to everyone who finds themselves in need of support whilst also reducing travel and helping local charities and groups provide the services that are needed in each community.