DORSET Council is reviewing how day centres are being used – and is now asking anyone who has previously accessed or worked in them to complete its survey to help improve services.

A consultation, due to close on March 26, is from the council’s A Better Day programme, which aims to find out how day centres are used and what contributes to people having ‘a good day’.

Day centres are closed currently but this should not stop people taking part in the survey.

The short survey, has been sent to 2,000 carers and 1,600 adults who receive social care, but Dorset Council is also keen to hear from friends and family of people who spend their time at a day centre, so that services can be improved to cater for individuals’ needs and interests.

Activities within a day centre may include arts and crafts, open conversations, music and games. A day opportunity could also involve educational or seasonal activities, life skills training and helping people to prepare for living independently.

Feedback from the questionnaire will help shape which activities and services will be on offer to the community in the coming years.

Cllr Laura Miller, Portfolio Holder for adult social care and health and Cllr Simon Gibson, lead member for care have said in a statement: “We want to make sure we spend the money supporting people in the right way. We believe in giving people the choice of deciding what they do, rather than map it out for them.

“We would like to work with the people we support, their families, carers, providers and colleagues – to create community-based, local day opportunities and support in the right places, at the right times.

The questionnaire is available for anyone who is supported or who provides care in the Dorset Council area. A paper copy can be requested by calling 01305 228554.

Results of the survey will be published in late spring.

To take part visit https://adultsocialcare.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/be-part-of-your-community/take-part-in-our-live-consultations/