A team in Dorset has won a national award for helping people stay healthy, safe, and supported last winter.
The team at the Dorset Intelligence and Insight Service worked with GP surgeries, local charities, councils, and other services. They used local data to identify people who might be finding it hard to pay for heating or food, especially older people who live alone or have long-term health problems.
By safely sharing and using this information, the team could see where help was needed most. The approach brought together more than 15 organisations, all committed to helping people stay safe and well, not just in winter, but all year round. This meant they could offer warm places to go, advice events, and other support before people became unwell or reached a crisis point.
“This project shows what’s possible when we work together,” said Rob Dabbs, Deputy Head of Analytics at the Dorset Intelligence and Insight Service. “By joining up our data and our efforts, we were able to reach people early and offer real support. This ranged from financial advice to community connection. We’re proud this has now been recognised nationally.”
The project led to a webpage to help people stay well financially and supported Winter Wellness events, which over 750 people attended across Poole, Bournemouth and rural Dorset.
One of those who attended was Marlene, 83, from Bournemouth, who joined a Winter Wellness event at East Way Clinic.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Living Mindfully session and the movement session we did,” Marlene said. “I’ve since upped my daily exercises and it’s given me more motivation and confidence. My end goal is to go out walking on my own again. Getting out to meet people feels so important and to have a connection with others again. It’s a real boost to my mood.”
Jon Sloper, Chief Executive at Help and Kindness in Dorset, said, “Behind every number is a person who is someone’s neighbour, parent or friend. Our role is to listen, guide and connect people to the support they need. Having this data meant that we could meet the people behind the numbers and make a real difference to their lives.”
Thanks to shared data and collaboration, local GPs and social prescribing teams were also able to offer extra support to communities directly.
Dr David Hogan, a GP in Poole and Clinical Director for Poole North Primary Care Network said, “Often, by the time someone walks into a GP surgery, they’ve already been struggling for a while. This project helped us reach out sooner and offer more than just medical help. It helped people feel seen, heard, and cared for.”
The project has now won the AphA Data and Analytical Professional Team of the Year Award 2025, showing how Dorset is leading the way in using data for good.
For more information on about the work of the Dorset Insight and Intelligence Team, visit their website: Home – Dorset Intelligence and Insight Service.
