Family Network Meetings in partnership with Dorset Council
Sometimes when things feel difficult for families, the best people to offer support are those people the
family know and trust; grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, neighbours.
Family Network meetings are family-led discussions. They should explore how a family’s support network can provide help. A registered charity called Daybreak will coordinate these meetings. It will support family-led problem-solving.
Daybreak is independent from Dorset Council. It ensures impartiality in facilitating these discussions.
Following the meetings, they will provide feedback to the family’s lead practitioner. They assist in connecting
the family with any agreed upon resources.
The resulting plan may include practical support from the family:
• cooking meals.
• school pickups.
• providing a listening ear during tough times.
A plan may also include a Family Network support package to ‘unlock’ some resources which needs to be approved and funded by Dorset Council. This might include access to services or funding support such as:
• Travel assistance for appointments
• Practical items like furniture or transport.
• Services such as counselling or mediation.
• Equipment to improve daily life.
Referring into Dorset Families Matter – If you know a family who could benefit and who are not already supported by Dorset Council:
• Discuss it with them, and share information from Dorset Council
• Gain their consent for a referral
• Make a referral request to Dorset Families Matter via this link
https://finestra.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/s4s/FormDetails/FillForm?formId=373
Your role as a Referrer:
• You need to complete the referral and inform the family that a request has been made
• As a referrer, you may or may not be invited to attend this meeting.
• You (or your services) may be included in a family’s support plan. You will be advised of this.
• Referrers need to be available for any follow-up meeting, should they be Invited.
• Referrers should check in with a family after the meeting to ensure that no further support is
required.
Daybreak’s Role:
• Daybreak will arrange and facilitate the meeting
• During this meeting, Daybreak will support the family to create their support plan.
• Where needed Daybreak will request a Family Support Package, which will be authorised and
administered by Dorset Council.
Contact Dorset Council or Daybreak for further information all details below:
• To find out more about Daybreak as an organisation please visit: https://www.daybreakfgc.org.uk/
• If you would like more information about Family Network Meetings please contact Daybreak on
headoffice@daybreakfgc.org.uk and someone will return you call
• Or email dorsetfamiliesmatter@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
www.daybreakfgc.org.uk | headoffice@daybreakfgc.org.uk | @daybreakcharity
Wessex House, Upper Market Street, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 9FD | 023 80 696 644
Registered Charity No: 1077607 Company No: 3780726 | Registered in England and Wales. Limited by guarantee