Dorset Volunteer and Community Sector Assembly (VCSA), is working with community groups and organisations to build a community-led approach to early help services, making a real difference in local families’ lives.
In 2023/24, Dorset Council was one of only three local authorities nationwide selected to pilot major reforms to children’s services — shifting from traditional Family Help models to innovative, community-driven support at the “edge of care.” The ambitious Families First for Children Pathfinder aimed to better meet families’ needs by involving local community groups and organisations directly in designing and delivering support services.
A Collaborative Approach to Change
Recognising the importance of local voices, Dorset Council partnered with Dorset VCSA in August 2024 to co-design community-led projects that address critical gaps in early years provision. With approximately £260,000 in funding from the council, the VCSA supported the selection of 11 innovative projects across Dorset, ranging from community and peer-led support groups to specialised support offers focusing on parental mental health and family relationships.
These projects, continuing under the Dorset Council Family Help programme, are diverse, tailored to meet specific local needs, and are supported through ongoing monitoring and collaboration. The VCSA Project Lead has played an important role in engaging with families, community organisations, and Family Hubs to ensure these initiatives are accessible, relevant, and sustainable.
Family Help is central to Dorset’s new approach to supporting children and families, underpinned by strong partnerships with the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). These partnerships are vital because they connect families to trusted, local support that is responsive and rooted in community. The value of partnerships with and the role of VCS is reflected in the revised Early Help Strategy which recognises that working together ensures families get the right support at the right time.
Real Impact on Families
Since their inception, the Pathfinder projects have begun to create meaningful change. Families who previously might not have accessed support are now benefiting from tailored early intervention services. For example, parents have reported increased confidence and stability, while peer support groups have fostered vital community connections.
One mother shared, “This programme has been a major breakthrough in my life, providing stability and confidence in my parenting. I am incredibly grateful for the support received.” Another parent highlighted the importance of community, saying, “Without this group, I fear I might have become more isolated and depressed. Meeting other mums has given me companionship and care.”
Looking Ahead
The pilot projects are set to continue until March 2026, with ongoing support and evaluation. The upcoming interim review, due in late October, will assess progress and help plan for the future sustainability of these community-led initiatives. Dorset VCSA will be actively working with project teams to explore sustainable options.
Dorset’s innovative approach to early help services illustrate how collaboration between local authorities, community organisations, and families can lead to impactful, lasting change. As these projects develop, they are not only supporting families today but laying the groundwork for a resilient, community-driven support network for generations to come.
For more information about the Programme, visit Dorset VCSA – Families First for Children.
Note: Quotes and impacts are based on feedback collected from participating families and project evaluations.
August 2025