A NUMBER of short films have been made to shine a light on people’s experiences of health and social care in Dorset.

Bournemouth University and Healthwatch Dorset have teamed up to make the films with the aim of helping to inform and educate people training in the health and social care sector.

The short films focus on stories from people living in the county and their experiences of various aspects of health and social care, including homelessness, end of life care and long-term health conditions.

The films include a story about a man called Matt, who discusses his journey into rough sleeping and substance use. His perspective provides a powerful insight into how unexpected life events can create a pathway into homelessness which then proves difficult to move beyond.

Matt details how his health deteriorated during the years he spent rough sleeping, and how substance use during this time further compromised his wellbeing. He also shares how the support he has accessed through local charity Hope Housing has enabled him to find stability and a new direction.

Louise Bate, Manager at Healthwatch Dorset, said: “We’re thrilled we could help support these films, which provide such a valuable insight into real people’s lives and help to inform and educate those who are training in the health and social care sector.”

Dr Mel Hughes, from Bournemouth University, added: “We are delighted with the opportunity to have collaborated with Healthwatch Dorset on these films. They are part of embedding real world learning into health and social care education at Bournemouth University and ensuring that the voices of people with lived experience are central to our student’s personal and professional development.”

To watch the films visit: https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/our-faculties/faculty-health-social-sciences/public-involvement-education-research/our-resources

The films were created as part of the PIER (Public involvement in Education and Research) partnership’s work.

Healthwatch Dorset is the county’s independent health and care champion.

It exists to ensure people are at heart of care.

Staff work to find out what people like about health and care service in Dorset and what could be improved.

These views are then shared with the decision-making organisations in the county with the aim of making a difference.