What have people already told us — and what could we learn if we made better use of it? We've been looking at the latest additions to Dorset's Insights Bank and the connections between health, food, housing, young people, technology and public engagement.

Bridging the gap

Young people told Healthwatch Dorset where they really look for health advice — from TikTok and AI to the NHS — and what would help them trust it.

In Sherborne, crossing changes people kept asking for are about to become visible on the ground at Ottery Lane and Westbury.

Across seven Dorset towns, unpaid carers are making time to talk, listen and share practical knowledge with people who understand.

Could fostering fit your life? A Weymouth carer says there is no single “typical” foster family — and the first step can simply be a conversation.

Winter worry is arriving early in Dorset. Current advice work is hearing from older people afraid to use the heating or already facing fuel debt.

This week in Community Voices: winter help, fostering, carer connection, safer journeys, young people's health information — and two early signals we will keep listening to.

Food connects our health, our environment, our economy and our communities, writes Jon Sloper in #DorsetLife magazine. We have been speaking with farmers, growers, food businesses, community groups and local residents about the future of Dorset's food system. #FeedingDorsetPartnership

Small local providers can make a very big difference. By helping Dorset's Micro-Providers become visible, connected and supported, we expand the practical choices available to people close to home. #HelpAndKindness #MicroProviders #Dorset

From the Ground Up

Could Healthy Start be easier for families to access? @BCPCouncil and Dorset Council want to hear about people's experiences of the scheme. Share your views in the Healthy Start survey by 2 November.

Care workers to get national pension scheme, says social care secretary - Community Care

Interested in becoming an Age Friendly Dorset Ambassador? Come along to Charlton Down Village Hall on 9 October, 1–4pm, to find out more. Speakers, activities, cake and time for questions. Everyone welcome. Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrating-our-ambassadors-2026-tickets-1994539415082

A request may sound simple, but the circumstances behind it may not be. Dorset's Community Response listens first, explores the whole situation and helps residents, families and professionals find practical local possibilities. #HelpAndKindness #Dorset

More than 5,000 people responded to Dorset Council's dog-control consultation. The findings show broad support — and one place where opinion was closely divided.

A new Healthwatch Dorset report sets out practical requests from patients: clearer updates, fairer booking routes, interpreters and reliable test-result follow-up.

Dorset's cultural life reaches far beyond theatres and galleries. A new five-year strategy records high participation, strong local activity and uneven access.

A public update on maternity care at Royal Bournemouth Hospital records important improvements since 2025 — and the work that still needs watching.

Dorset SEND families can ask questions, meet support organisations and share views at a free drop-in event near Dorchester on 30 September.

This week in Community Voices: clearer routes through health and SEND support, Dorset's appetite for culture, shared public spaces, and two smaller signals we will keep listening to.

Entries are open for the first Corscombe Trail Races! Choose an 11K or 5K trail race in West Dorset on Saturday 12 June 2027, alongside Corscombe Village Fête. Find out more and enter: https://www.helpandkindness.co.uk/activity/4771

Dorset is one county made up of many different communities. We combine countywide reach with detailed local knowledge across Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, helping useful information and connections travel across boundaries. #HelpAndKindness #Dorset

Seed Gathering Season - The Tree Council

Most of UK’s essential food supply grown in drought-risk areas, report warns

What's happening around Dorset over the next two weeks? Arts festivals, live music, wildlife walks, community events, creative activities and lots more. Explore some of the things happening from 25th September to 8th October.

More than 5,000 people responded to Dorset Council's dog-control consultation. The findings show broad support — and one place where opinion was closely divided.

A new Healthwatch Dorset report sets out practical requests from patients: clearer updates, fairer booking routes, interpreters and reliable test-result follow-up.

Dorset's cultural life reaches far beyond theatres and galleries. A new five-year strategy records high participation, strong local activity and uneven access.