Family Network Meetings

in partnership with Dorset Council

Quick Links: Dorset Family Matters Referral Form | Referrer Leaflet | Provide Feedback following a Meeting

As part of our ongoing commitment to empowering families to be involved in the decisions that affect their lives, we are working in partnership with Dorset Council to offer Family Network Meetings. These meetings and support are available to families living in Dorset who are not currently receiving support from Children’s Social Care. More information on this project can be found on Dorset Council’s website.

What are Family Network Meetings?

Family Network meetings are family-led discussions. They explore how a family’s support network can provide help. A ‘Family Network’ is a group of people who provide emotional, practical, or other forms of support. A family can identify them. A Family Network can include: 

  • extended family members, such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles 

  • friends or neighbours 

  • representatives from the community or faith groups 

We can help people identify who to include in a Family Network Meeting. Our facilitator also helps coordinate and strengthen these support networks.

The meeting aims to develop a Plan to help overcome a challenge or situation. 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. Family Network support packages (approved and funded by Dorset Council) offer resources to help families succeed by unlocking any barriers in the family’s plan. These packages can include: 

  • practical items like furniture or transport 

  • services such as counselling or mediation 

  • equipment to improve daily life 

How to refer someone for a Family Network Meeting via Daybreak

A professional currently working with the family can ask for a meeting to be arranged. For example, this could be school staff, GP surgery or Family Hub staff.

If you know a family that could benefit, you can submit a request through Dorset Families Matter or talk to one of your Locality Team for more information.

To discuss before referring, please contact us at: headoffice@daybreakfgc.org.uk