THE Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group has awarded one of its first new contracts to a partnership of local organisations.

The partnership will provide a service to help people living with a long term health condition and their carers.

People will be able to choose from a range of support to suit them, including advice over the phone, face to face guidance from a coach, self-help groups and a website.

Christine Howell, from Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “This exciting new service will provide support that suits the individual.

“Whether it’s a phone call, using the new website, meeting other people with a similar condition or speaking to a self management coach – or even a mixture of all these things could help people.”

The service is due to launch in September and, within a year, will be available to all people with a long term condition or their carers.