Transforming Health and Care Together: A Successful VCSE Event in Dorset

25th April 2025

On Tuesday, 22nd April at the Hamsworthy Club, Poole, Our Dorset hosted a Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) engagement event titled “Transforming Health and Care Together.” in partnership with Dorset VCSA.

The event brought together around 55 attendees from the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS), who gathered to learn more about the Future Care initiatives under the Our Dorset programme.

There were presentations from Patricia Miller, Cllr Steve Robinson (DC) and Paula Bennetts (Thriving Communities), Cllr David Brown (BCP), Dylan Champion (on Future Care) and Judith Dean (on Integrated Neighbourhood Teams). There were also stalls providing information on these and other health and care initiatives. This approach allowed delegates to engage with key teams in greater depth and on a more personalised way.

Paula Bennetts from Dorset Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly (VCSA) expressed her enthusiasm about the turnout, stating, “It’s great to see a good turnout from the VCS for this event. These gatherings are essential as they begin important discussions, provide information, projects and workstream updates, and share information with a wider VCS audience about future care projects.”

The event highlighted the significant role that the voluntary and community sector (VCS) plays in shaping health and care in Dorset, paving the way for a collaborative and partnership approaches to future challenges and opportunities in healthcare provisions across Dorset.

Resource materials from the event can be located and downloaded here.

We anticipate there will be a follow up/future event taking place in Summer 2025 (date TBC). If you would like to register your interest and be added to our VCS event mailing list, please email adam.martel@dorsetvcsa.co.uk

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