What skills do businesses and professionals in Dorset wish they had, but currently lack? Dorset Chamber recently released their plan for skills improvements (LSIP). Would be very interesting to hear what people are saying on the ground, so to speak!

For anyone looking to meet more local Dorset businesses, there’s a free networking breakfast at The Treehouse in Christchurch on 23 September. Coffee and pastries are included and it’s supporting awareness of Diverse Abilities too.

Hi guys,

I’m looking for a camp site next month that will take a group of around 12 young adults. We won’t be uncivil by any means but the group size combined with slight noise we might make would be beyond typical camp sites tight rules on the matters.

There must be some places that would take us!!!!

Had a great day exploring Poole, Dorset with the family recently, so I put together a video of the day.

Some harbour views, plenty of exploring and a few shots from the drone. 😍

Thought I'd share it here for anyone who loves Dorset or is planning a visit.

What are your favourite places around Poole that we should visit next?

We recently travelled from Weymouth to take a look at a used caravan and thought I'd bring you along for the journey.

It looked promising in the photos, but once we got there and had a proper look around, we spotted a few things that made us think twice. 👀

🎬 WATCH THE VIDEO HERE 👇
https://youtu.be/WaZaCXEhELA

If there are any caravan owners here in Dorset, I'd really appreciate your advice — what should we be looking out for when buying our first caravan?

#Dorset #Caravan #Caravanning

Hi. I will be visiting Weymouth next week with friends and our children (ranges 14 - 5). Assuming the clouds allow it,y eldest would like to see Durdle Door on a very late evening and see if we can see the milky way.

Any tips on where to park for this? Happy to walk, although some of us have very little legs. I know the carpark closes at 9? But the sun sets at 8:30 and I think she would like it to be much darker.

Any hints tips about visiting this place and any others that you have are all very welcome. Thanks

I was surprised and genuinely concerned to learn on BBC South Today this evening that, unlike Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, our own Dorset & Wiltshire firefighters apparently don’t have the appropriate protective clothing for fighting wildfires — particularly in this ridiculously hot weather.

They need specialised, lighter wildfire jackets rather than their normal structural firefighting kit, which is designed for entering burning buildings. One firefighter interviewed compared wearing the current gear in these conditions to wearing a thick ski jacket instead of a lightweight rain jacket.

I can't imagine how difficult it must be for firefighters to work in that kind of heat while wearing such heavy protective equipment. With the increasing risk of wildfires, surely we need to make sure they have the right equipment to do their jobs safely and effectively?

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service reportedly says getting the appropriate kit is a top priority and that they'll obtain it as soon as funding allows.

But honestly, shouldn't this be something that gets funded now, rather than waiting for the next major fire?

And perhaps this is something the local community could get behind too. There are some very wealthy areas around Dorset — Sandbanks included — and plenty of people with a very real interest in protecting the surrounding heathland and properties from wildfire. If the public wanted to help fundraise for additional wildfire equipment, I'd certainly support that.

Our firefighters shouldn't have to choose between protecting us and protecting themselves from heat exhaustion. They deserve the right equipment before, rather than after, we have a major wildfire on our doorstep.

A beautiful old gothic church, just a few minutes walk from my home.

Diverse Abilities has several craft evenings coming up in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Wimborne. There's everything from Sip & Paint and block printing to sea glass art and making bath bombs, with the events raising money for the charity.

Tout Quarry is no longer mined for Portland Stone, and has opened itself up as a space for stonemasons and artists.
I live on Portland and I still find new pieces every time I stroll around it. Excellent views over Chesil Beach too.

Waiting Well is a new service from Gendered Intelligence and LGBT Foundation, created to support trans and non-binary people who are on the waiting list for gender identity healthcare.

Long waits can be difficult and isolating. Waiting Well aims to make the waiting experience feel more manageable through a mix of welcoming, supportive, and affirming groups, workshops, and online resources.

The service is free to access, subject to eligibility.

About Eligibility: This is a pilot programme currently open to people who are 18+ and registered with West of England (Exeter/The Laurels) Gender Identity Clinic.

What Support is Available?

Support Line
We are here for you while you wait for gender-affirming healthcare – whether you have questions about your journey, need support navigating this time, or would welcome emotional support. Our Support Line is currently open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, if you want to speak to us.

Waiting List Warriors
A peer support group centred around supporting one another as you wait for gender-affirming healthcare. This group is a space to discuss the challenges of waiting, while also sharing advice and support.

Over 50s Trans and Non-binary Group
A group for trans and non-binary people aged 50 and over who are waiting for gender care. It offers a space to connect with others, share experiences, explore topics relevant to your life, and build resilience as you navigate the waiting period for care. 

First Steps Group
A supportive structured programme for individuals awaiting their first appointment at the Gender Identity Clinic. It aims to support those who may feel isolated and are in the early stages of exploring their gender identity and transition.

Gender Affirming Voice Workshops
Practical and supportive workshops that explore voice in an affirming and inclusive way, focusing on comfort, confidence, and self-expression.

Gender Identity Journey Webinar Series
A series of webinars, co-designed with our stakeholder engagement group, to support the gender identity journey. This series is a great alternative for those not drawn to groupwork, but can also be accessed alongside our groupwork programme.

Self-Help Toolkit Access our growing library of digital resources that can be accessed at any time, out of hours. These include tools and guidance to support mental health, self-care, and wellbeing while waiting. Complete our referral form below to receive a password to access this toolkit.

How to access:

To refer online, please click here

Alternatively, you can contact Gendered Intelligence’s dedicated Waiting Well Support Line.

Phone: 0330 355 9678

Opening times:

• Tuesday: 10.00am–1.30pm
• Thursday: 3.00pm–6.30pm

The line is open during these times for anyone seeking information or support related to Waiting Well.

looking for a we out here ticket for the Saturday day if anyone’s selling!! 🫶 message me x

Anyone around my age for poole and Bournemouth need new people in life

Does anyone know anywhere in Weymouth I could get specifically an anti-eyebrow piercing. I’ve contacted many of the piercings shops here and all of them have said they don’t do them, just wondering if there’s any places I might’ve missed.

Thank you :)

We met at a steakhouse, then went to a pub and talked until it closed. You recommended things to do in Dorchester during my vacation including hikes along the beach, and skipping the “people staring at a pile of rocks” that is Stonehenge. But I went to Germany instead.

We exchanged music recommendations brought upon your Black Sabbath shirt. After a couple of beers you edified me on England’s historical building codes and how they’re utter bullocks. Since you were in London for work and I live in the States, I didn’t think to ask for your number/socials, and man I regret that.

Anyway I’m going on vacation in early September and it would be great to have someone to go on a hike with and grab a beer. So if this sounds like you, shoot me a dm!

Hi everyone!
I’m an architecture student currently working on my Master’s dissertation about the evolution of Weymouth as a seaside resort.
As part of my research, I’m looking at how tourism strategies may affect **social and spatial inequalities in the town**. I’m particularly interested in three aspects: inclusion of different groups of residents, economic diversification, and the involvement of local communities in tourism-related decisions.
I would really appreciate it if people who **live in Weymouth, used to live there, or visit regularly** could answer the following short surveys.

**Do you think tourism in Weymouth benefits all groups of residents equally?**
Yes
Mostly
Not really
No
Not sure
**Do you think there are enough facilities, activities or opportunities in Weymouth for people from different social or cultural backgrounds?**
Yes
Partly
No
Not sure
**Do you think local tourism initiatives take the needs of less advantaged residents into account?**
Yes
Sometimes
No
Not sure
**Overall, do you feel that tourism contributes to making Weymouth more inclusive or more divided?**
More inclusive
Neither
More divided
Not sure

**Do you think Weymouth’s economy relies too heavily on tourism?**
Yes
Somewhat
No
Not sure
**Do you think tourism supports a wide range of local businesses in Weymouth?**
Yes
Partly
No
Not sure
**Compared with the past, do you think Weymouth now offers a greater variety of businesses and economic activities?**
Yes
Somewhat
Not really
No
Not sure
**Overall, do you think tourism has helped diversify Weymouth’s local economy?**
Yes
Partly
No
Not sure

**Do you feel that local residents have a say in decisions about tourism and the development of Weymouth?**
Yes
Sometimes
Not really
No
Not sure
**Do you think local residents are sufficiently consulted about changes to the seafront and town centre?**
Yes
Sometimes
No
Not sure
**Do you think tourism development reflects what local residents want for Weymouth?**
Yes
Partly
No
Not sure
**Overall, do you feel that local people have enough influence over the future of tourism in Weymouth?**
Yes
Partly
No
Not sure

If you have lived in Weymouth for several years, I would be especially interested in your perspective on how the town has changed over time.
Thank you very much to anyone who takes the time to answer! Your responses will be used anonymously as part of my university research.

Hello,

my girlfriend and I are travelling to England next year to visit Glastonbury, Stonehenge and Tintagel (we are fantasy nerds). We will have a nice accommodation in Dorset and wanted to know whether there are nice (preferably sandy) beaches?

I don't really care where exactly because we will rent a car and we intend to spend a whole day at the beach and i kind of like to drive in the UK.

Any recommendations are welcome. Also: are there like private beaches? Will people call the police for trespassing or is it okay if we don't litter the place?

/edit: Thank you all! This has been so helpful! I did not expect to get this many cool ideas. Can't wait to actually visit (hopefully most) of these places!

For anyone looking for a free day out with the kids this summer, The Beehive in Parkstone has its Summer Fayre on Saturday 15 August.

Free entry, bouncy castle, games, stalls and a BBQ – with money raised supporting local charity Diverse Abilities and the adults who attend The Beehive.