Dorset Council launch new home for up to five children in Weymouth
The local authority have sought planning permission to convert a former residential home too
Professionals from services all over Dorset, including Dorset Police, Dorset NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, Education Providers, Children’s Services, Councillors, foster carers, the voluntary sector and more honoured of the official launch of The Harbour.
The home for up to five children is being built in the grounds of 45 Dorchester Road in Weymouth.
A shortage of care in the county means some children have to leave their schools, friends to be places in care far away but The Harbour is an integrated service for young people which brings together a range of accommodation options, services and outreach support centred around a residential hub in Weymouth. The home will give local children a better and more secure start in life.
As well as supporting families and young people, The Harbour will be improving support networks and creating a new sense of community for foster carers around the county.
Through all these projects and day to day working lives, it’s so easy to forget who is at the heart of everything and why things are put in place, the children and people that have been through so much and making sure they get the best support.
Modular buildings arriving at 45 Dorchester Road
A new residential home for Weymouth
Planning permission for change of use of a former residential home in Weymouth has been approved as part of a project to support local care leavers.
The property in Kirtleton Avenue, will be refurbished to provide accommodation for care leavers over the age of 18, to provide independent housing for them as they leave formal care settings in the county.
Melissa, is a young care leaver working with Dorset Council was at the event. She wrote the following reflections:
"Dorset council is spreading its wings and are taking off! With so many upcoming improvements beginning to happen in the community, the launch of The Harbour is a benchmark for serious progression in the children and young people services. Local Children’s services leaders and nationally acclaimed keynote speakers (Mark Finnis, Restorative Practice and Dr Dave Roberts, The Mulberry Bush) modelled pure passion for the routes professionals should be taking when supporting families, carers and young people. Speakers had the whole room welling up from the pride and compassion everyone there held for their work improving services and so many people’s lives."
When asked by Melissa about what he was most looking forward to about the harbour project, Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Education, Children & Early Help said:
“I can’t wait to take the council on this journey and deliver a safe environment and give a voice for young people. This is a revolutionary approach for the council especially in Dorset and provides new hope for those in need.
Reflecting on the event he added:
“It’s lovely seeing and meeting members of the team again post lockdown and the inspirational speakers were incredible.”