Sometimes, families may need extra support and we want to make sure people get the right help at the right time. In the first instance, you might seek help from friends and family and ‘universal’ service providers such as your GP, health visitor, your child’s early years provider or school. You can also look at what support is available locally through the Family Information Service and the Local Offer.

If you are a professional or community provider working with a child or young person and their family – and you agree with the family that help would be beneficial, you can speak to our Early Help Hub:

Professionals can call 01305 228558

The Early Help Hub is available Monday-Thursday 9am – 5pm, Friday 9am – 4pm

Email us for a call back: earlyhelphub@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

If you’re a member of the public with concerns about a child, you can call the team on 01305 228866.

You might want to think about calling a ‘Team Around the Family’ (TAF). This can help you bring together different professionals and create an outcome-focused plan to make sure the family gets all the help they need. You must gain consent from the family to do this. Our Early Help team members in the Early Help Hub can advise you. They can also link you to the local early help team.

Dorset Council also provides training called ‘Safeguarding through Early Help – Understanding Your Role’ which is available across the county at various locations and online. You can book a place on this via Nexus

Each Dorset Council Locality includes an early help team. Some of the work we undertake includes:

• Group work with children and young people
• Parent support groups
• Help with periods of change in a child or young person’s life
• Direct work with families
• Advice, support and guidance to other professionals

For more information including contact details for each locality, please visit DorsetForYou