Dartmouth Caring

07/10/2025

The next in our series about cancer screening and the benefits it brings. The information below sets out what will be offered to women from the age of 50.

If there is anything in this that makes you feel you have been left off the screening programme then speak to your doctor.

About 1 in 7 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. If it’s detected early, treatment is more successful and there’s a good chance of recovery.

Breast screening uses an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they’re too small to see or feel.

Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to their 71st birthday in England. You’ll first be invited for screening within three years of your 50th birthday.

There is also currently a trial to examine the effectiveness of offering some women one extra screen between the ages of 47 and 49, and one between the ages of 71 and 73.

You may be eligible for breast screening before the age of 50 if you have a very high risk of developing breast cancer.

If you are 71 or over, you will stop receiving screening invitations. You can still have screening once you are 71 or over if you want to and can arrange an appointment by contacting your local screening unit.

If you’re worried about breast cancer symptoms, such as a lump or an area of thickened tissue in a breast, or you notice that your breasts look or feel different from what’s normal for you, do not wait to be offered screening. See a GP.

06/10/2025

We are starting our week with thanks to all our volunteers, and recognition of one of our newest Volunteers Laura, who joined us this Summer. Thanks to everyone who gives their time, whether every week, every month, or every year!

02/10/2025

Thursday thanks and appreciation goes to our super Volunteers Jim, Sam, and Kate who look after Souper Thursday at 12 midday each week. Now that Autumn is here, we are back to enjoying warming, nutritious bowls of homemade soup, courtesy of Jim our cook.

Soup is followed with pudding or fruit salad, and we serve hot drinks - all with a very warm welcome and great company. We are pleased to say we can take more guests for Souper Thursday and ask only for a donation of £2 or an amount that is affordable.

Please get in touch if you are interested, email: enquiries@dartmouthcaring.co.uk, Tel: 01803 835 384

01/10/2025

Every Wednesday is Lunch Club day! Today we would like to express our thanks and gratitude to the team who cook and serve a delicious 2-course meal for our regular attendees. Today's cooks were Joanna (pictured serving fruit crumble and custard.....yum) and Claire, ably assisted by Phyllis and our colleague Karen. Huge thanks to our brilliant team of volunteers who make Lunch Club a huge success every week.

30/09/2025

We'd love you to meet some of our team! Introducing Lucy, Shannon, and Thomas - our fantastic colleagues who jointly lead and facilitate all the activities at our Memory Café (every Tuesday, 10:30 to 12 noon). They provide a friendly and understanding space for individuals with memory problems, and their loved ones, to connect, socialize, and share experiences.

Shannon leads our Carer's Group, a valuable source of support for carers and this takes place once a month alongside the morning's usual activities. We are supported by a wonderful, dedicated team of volunteers every week.

We are delighted to say we can welcome more people to Memory Café so please do get in touch with the team to find out more information: enquiries@dartmouthcaring.co.uk Tel: 01803 835384.

26/09/2025

Our second Breast Cancer Support Group will take place next Wednesday, 1st October 💗

This group is a safe and supportive space to connect, share experiences, and find encouragement with others who understand the journey. Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or a survivor, you are warmly welcome.

Come for listening ears, open conversation, and community support.

25/09/2025

As a part of our ongoing series about cancer screening, its benefits, what it is and how to get involved this week the focus is on cervical screening.

Macmillan Cancer Support have some very helpful materials about cervical and many other cancers. Visit their website for more information as it may affect you. (https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support)

Who can have cervical screening?

Cervical screening is for anyone who has a cervix. It is important to have, even if you have had the HPV vaccination. The vaccination protects against the most common types of high-risk HPV that cause cervical cancers. But it does not protect against all types.

It is safe to have cervical screening if you are pregnant, but you can usually delay it if you prefer. A screening test (the cervical smear test) during pregnancy may cause a small amount of bleeding afterwards. This is normal and does not affect your baby.

The NHS will contact you when it is time for your cervical screening if you are:
- 25 to 64 years old
- Registered as female with a GP

You do not need screening if you have had surgery to remove your cervix. If you have had surgery to the cervix, va**na or womb but you are not sure what your operation involved, your GP can find out from your medical records.

If you are not sure about having cervical screening for any reason, talk to your GP, practice nurse or sexual health service.

If you are a trans man or non-binary person and have a cervix, you should have screening too. But, you may not be sent an invitation if you are registered as male with your GP. Tell your GP if you want to have cervical screening, so they can arrange regular tests for you.

You do not need cervical screening if you are a trans woman or were assigned male at birth. The NHS has more information about other types of screening for trans women.

23/09/2025

Our Baby Weigh & Play group will be back this Friday. We look forward to welcoming you and your little ones.

Please also see our upcoming dates for the rest of 2025 😊

22/09/2025

The Dartmouth Dawdle is open to everyone of all ages! After our stroll and chat, we also Dawdle to The Flavel Arts Centre who very kindly host Dawdlers every week for refreshments. It means we can spend more time meeting new friends and catching up with each other.

River Dart Rotary Dartmouth Rotary

Have you spotted that merry band of wanderers meandering along the River Dart in Dartmouth? 😄 Yep, that's the in action – our weekly gentle stroll that's all about soaking up the fresh sea air, admiring those stunning estuary views, and sparking up chats with fabulous locals!

Proudly backed by the and Dartmouth Caring, this isn't your average hike. It's a relaxed amble along The Embankment, open to all ages and abilities – from Fleet Care Home residents to young adventurers.

No rush, no pressure, just good vibes, giggles, and a bit of that Devon magic.

Whether you're battling the winter blues, craving connection, or simply fancy a seaside saunter, join us! Next one: Thursdays at 10:00am, along from Platform 1 on the Embankment. First-timers welcome – let's dawdle together! 🌊👟💬

19/09/2025

We are so pleased to have raised a fantastic £426 from our Tea Hut Fundraiser this week. Thank you to everyone for coming along and supporting us, and for your generous donations. Events like this wouldn't happen without the energy and enthusiasm of our volunteers - for organising, baking, selling, and helping to spread the word about the work we do in our community. Thank you very much to all of you!

17/09/2025

Do you love books and would you like to be part of a friendly book club that is accessible and inclusive? We have a wonderful Audio Book Club that we run in partnership with Dartmouth Library that gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic read. We meet every month at Dartmouth Caring and everyone is welcome. Please get in touch if you would like to join us or for more information.