Children and Family Support

 

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Children and Family Support

If you're experiencing challenges related to your child's behaviour, emotions, family routines, or feelings of overload or overwhelm, the information and contact details below may be helpful.

By taking that first step and reaching out, you’ll find trusted professionals and volunteers ready to support you.

smiling family

 

Health Visiting

The Health Visiting Service supports children and families from the antenatal period up to five years of age, promoting health and wellbeing.

Health visitors offer advice and support on a wide range of topics, including:

  • Transition to parenthood and maternal mental health (including perinatal depression)
  • Breastfeeding
  • Healthy weight, nutrition, and physical activity
  • Managing minor illnesses and preventing accidents
  • Supporting your child’s development and school readiness

Contact Details:

 

Family Help

For children under the age of 11, research shows that a whole-family approach is often the most effective way to support emotional regulation and manage challenging behaviour.

If you'd like advice and support from a Family Help practitioner, a short assessment is required.

 

family online

Family Hubs

Family Hubs are central places where children, young people, and families can access support.

They offer drop-in sessions with trained family workers, parenting classes, and a range of helpful services.

 

Home-Start Wessex

Home-Start Wessex is made up of parents who understand the everyday challenges families face.

Trained volunteers can visit your home for 2 to 4 hours a week, offering a helping hand and a listening ear.

 

Steps2Wellbeing - Mum's Matter

A course focussing on overcoming the emotional challenges of parenthood using the principles of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

You can self-refer Steps2Wellbing.

 

ParentLine confidential text messsaging service

Parents and carers of 0 to 5 year olds in Dorset can seek advice about a range of issues such as breastfeeding, weaning, sleep, toileting, minor illness, behaviour, parenting and more via text message. The service runs from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday with a member of the health visiting team responding to messages within on working day.

Parents and carers of 5 to 19 year olds in Dorset can seek advice about a range of issues, including toileting, sleep, development, behaviour, healthy eating, mental health, bullying, school refusal and exam stress. The service runs from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays and school holidays), wih a member of the School Nursing team responding to messages within one working day.

ParentLine is not an emergency service, for urgent medical attention contact your GP, 11 or 999.

 

Dorset Council Family Information Service

Access a wide range of support and resources for children and families.

 

Jurassic Coast PCN – Children and Young People’s Social Prescribing

If you're aged 11 to 21, or a parent of a young person in this age range, and you're feeling worried, overwhelmed, or isolated - please get in touch.

We can provide one-to-one support or can connect you to other services more appropriate to your needs.

young people