Care companies held a community event to raise money and awareness of the services available in Dorchester.

The Mayor of Dorchester Susie Hosford opened the Poundbury exhibition which was hosted by Care South and Medvivo Careline and included a number of different charities from across the county.

The £500 donations collected on the day will be used to purchase a battery operated Raizer chair which helps lift people who have fallen quickly and safely to a seated or standing position.

Lyn Couldwell, domiciliary care manager at Care South’s Home Care, said: “The aim of the event was to highlight the essential resources on offer in the local community, to support people living in their own homes and enable them to remain living independently for as long as possible.”

A range of exhibitors were at the open day including the Dorset Blind Association, Age UK Dorchester and Dorset Partnership for Older People Programme (POPP), The Keysafe Company, Oysta and Raizer.

The event was well attended by the community and, alongside the exhibition, there was a mix of activities for people to get involved with, such as free health checks, a chair aerobics session and free complimentary neck massages.

There was also a popular cake sale and raffle to keep the crowds amused and help raise further funds.

Lyn said: "“It was fantastic to see such a good turn out from the public on the day, helping to raise vital funds for the purchase of a Raizer chair.

“There are a wealth of care services available in the local community, which provide both short-term and longer-term support, helping vulnerable individuals remain in their own homes.

“We hope our event has helped raise awareness about the services available, which can make such a difference in giving people the opportunity to live their day-to-day lives as they wish, and many thanks to all those who donated.”