DORSET Council has unveiled a new three-year Early Help Strategy setting out what it calls a “bold plan” to make the county the best place to grow up and raise a family.

The Early Help Strategy 2026–2029 focuses on providing timely, voluntary support to families before problems escalate, with the aim of improving outcomes for children and young people across Dorset.

Rather than stepping in only when families reach crisis point, the approach is designed to offer practical advice, emotional support and access to local services at an earlier stage – from pregnancy through to adolescence.

Council leaders say this will reduce stress on families and help children thrive.

Families are encouraged to shape their support plans, drawing on their own strengths and networks with guidance from trusted professionals.

Support will be delivered through Best Start Family Hubs and community-based services, with a strong emphasis on keeping help local and accessible.

The council says the whole-family approach will lead to better health, improved school readiness and stronger emotional wellbeing for children.

Dorset Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills Cllr Clare Sutton said: “When we support families early, we give every child the best chance to thrive.

“This strategy is about listening, building trust, and working together to create strong, resilient communities.”

Cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills Cllr Clare Sutton.

The strategy also aims to tackle long-standing frustrations for families by improving coordination between services.

By encouraging agencies to work more closely together and share responsibility, the council says families will no longer feel passed from one service to another.

A key feature is the use of Family Network Meetings, which give families a stronger voice in decisions about their support.

These meetings bring together relatives, friends and trusted individuals to find solutions, build on strengths and put long-term plans in place.

Council leaders say the joined-up approach will ensure families receive the right support at the right time – and help prevent small problems from becoming much bigger ones.