Plans underway for Portland Family Hub, thanks to input from local community  

Families in Portland will soon benefit from a new family hub based at Portland Community Hospital, with additional network points across the island to improve access to vital services and activities. 

Family hubs provide a range of support for families with children from conception to age 18 (or 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). Services include things like play and learning sessions, health visiting and midwifery appointments, parenting advice and courses and more.  

This collaborative approach brings together Dorset Council, health services, and voluntary organisations to deliver tailored support for local families. 

Following feedback from the Portland community earlier this year, 75% of respondents selected Portland Community Hospital as their preferred location for the family hub.  

Dorset Council is now working closely with Dorset HealthCare to develop plans for the space, including remodelling to create welcoming, accessible areas for activities and services. Updates on this exciting development are expected in the coming months. 

In addition to providing input on the location of the family hub, families in Portland have also had the opportunity to share their views on the services they would like to see offered.  

Key suggestions from the community have included enhanced support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), increased opportunities for youth volunteering and the creation of safe spaces for teenagers, the provision of dedicated LGBTQ+ support and safe spaces, and improvements to transport and accessibility to ensure services can be are easily reached. 

Dorset Council is committed to working with families and local organisations to address these priorities and ensure the family hub meets the diverse needs of the Portland community. 

In addition to the main hub, smaller family hub network points will be established to expand access to support. 

One such network point, The Drop In #2, has already opened at the former Smiley Faces nursery site in Southwell. This initiative builds on the successful work of The Drop In, which has long provided valuable services for young people on the island.  

Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, and Skills, said:  

“It’s fantastic to see the plans for the Portland Family Hub taking shape. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the families who took the time to share their thoughts and ideas, helping to shape this important community resource.” 

Ahead of the opening, there is still a lot on offer for Portland Families, you can stay up to date at Chesil Locality. 

For more information about currently open family hubs, and well an online family hub offer, see: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/family-hubs