General Advice

Children’s First Response Hub can help if you:
– are worried about a child or young person who is at risk of (or is being) hurt or abused
– know of a child or young person who may be vulnerable without additional help and support
– want to know more about services to support children, young people and their families
– need support to agree an Early Help offer.

If you’re a member of the public please telephone or e-mail the team. 01202 123 334 [email protected]

We provide a range of information, advice and services to adults with care and support needs or who have caring responsibilities.

Anyone can be abused, and anyone can be an abuser. It is often someone the person being abused knows, and the victim is often in a vulnerable condition.

We work with the police and other health and social care providers to keep people safe from harm. If you think someone is being abused, contact our Adult Social Care Contact Centre on 01202 123 654.

Digital Champions are a group of friendly and patient volunteers who are good at explaining computers, without using jargon. We have an enthusiasm for all things digital and look forward to the chance to show you how it works.

We offer digital support for a wide range of issues, no problem is too small.

We can help you to:

• set up and using devices including mobile phones, tablets and computers
• get online and show you how to do home shopping
• access digital NHS services
• set up Skype or Zoom to keep in contact with family or friends

You can book a session with Our Digital Champions at libraries and other community buildings. Call the Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 to book a session.

You can speak to our Digital Champions over the phone on the Dorset Digital Hotline. Call 01305 221048 and select option 2

We are an online library of accessible health information with simple words, clear pictures and films.

Speak to an Adviser, face to face about work, debt, consumer rights, law and courts, family matters, housing and benefits.

GET ADVICE: Drop-in Service: Mondays: 10am – 1:20pm, Water Lily Cafe, BH23 2AW

Mobile Advice Vehicle: Thursdays: 10am – 12noon, Somerford Arc, BH23 3EH

Thursdays: 1pm – 4pm, Somerford Youth Centre, BH23 3AH

Fridays: 9:30am – 12:30pm, Christchurch Library, BH23 1AW

Support services are a vital asset to the ARC we are a one-stop-shop of face-face drop-ins from various services, equipping our local area with a vital network of people they can trust and look to for support.

We are joined every Thursday by: Citizens advice: 10.00am- 12.30pm  and Sovereign Housing Association: 9.30am- 12.30pm

Joining us fortnightly on Thursdays: Lets talk money: 9.30am-12.30pm and Neighbourhood Policing Team (subject to call out duties): 10.00am-12.00pm

Drop in centre providing food, clothes and support for street homeless and those who are vulnerable and struggling with debt and housing problems. Support with benefits and signposting to other agencies such as immigration, money advice and social activities.