The Dragonfly Project

Moving Forward, Together: Helping families in Portsmouth with children aged 0-11 to plan positive ways forward

Family life isn’t always easy — sometimes challenges can build up before you know it. The Dragonfly Project, in Portsmouth, is here to help. We support families with children aged pre-birth to 11 years to resolve challenges before they become bigger problems.

Guided by your choices, we will work with you to create a practical plan to move forward.

Our trained facilitator will help you:

  • Identify the challenges your family is facing

  • Connect with people around you who can help

  • Ensure your and your children's voices are heard

  • Create a practical plan for moving forward

The Dragonfly Project is a welcoming and supportive space where your family can come together to share ideas and find solutions — without fear of judgment. As trained facilitators and not decision-makers, we're here to help you feel confident about your next steps.

What happens after a referral?

Getting started is simple. Whether you refer yourself or are referred by an organisation, here’s what happens next:

  • Initial call: We’ll talk with you to learn about your situation and answer your questions. This call will help you understand more about the project so you can decide if you’d like to go ahead.

  • Preparing everyone: If you decide to continue, we’ll meet with you to explore what you’d like to achieve and who you’d like to involve. Our facilitator will then speak to everyone invited, including any children if you wish for them to participate. We will make sure everyone is ready to help.

  • Bringing everyone together: We’ll gather the people you’ve chosen to create a clear plan of action. This session helps everyone understand the situation, people’s view and the support opportunities available. Together, you will work to create a Plan.

  • Follow-up: If needed, we’ll meet again a few months later to review progress and adjust the Plan if necessary.

We do this every day and have lots of experience supporting families in different situations. Our goal is to help everyone understand what's happening, plan ways to support each other, and connect with specialist services if needed.

What are some of the situations that The Dragonfly Project can support?

  • Family changes e.g. relationship breakdown, separation, or divorce

  • Emotional wellbeing e.g. low-level mental health difficulties, grief, or bereavement

  • Health needs, e.g. long-term illness, hospital admissions, or end-of-life care

  • Education & life transitions e.g. school attendance issues or moving to secondary school

  • Life challenges e.g. relocation, unemployment, or other major life changes

Who can join the Dragonfly Project?

  • You live in Portsmouth and;

  • Have children aged 11 or under (including pre-birth)

You can refer yourself or be referred by an organisation.

If your family is supported by Children’s Social Services in Portsmouth we have other programs that may be right for you — please get in touch to find out more. The Dragonfly Project is for those not currently supported by Social Services.

How to get support from The Dragonfly Project

If you’d like to learn more about how The Dragonfly Project can support your family, we’re here to help. Whether you want to ask questions or get referred, get in touch today.

Families can self-refer, or an organisation working with them can refer them.

Complete our enquiry form (coming soon)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • As a charity, we believe in providing accessible support. This project has benefit from part-funding from The Rayne Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund. We continue to fundraise towards this project through grant funding, donations and fundraisers. If you’d like to support – no matter how small – please get in touch.

  • We welcome referrals for other community organisations, including schools, charity and the health services. Should you have someone who you feel can benefit from The Dragonfly Project, who meets eligibility criteria, feel free to get in touch.

    You can complete our Organisational Referral Form, or if you’d like to discuss a referral first, email our facilitator.

  • You can invite family and friends who are important to you and your family. Your Facilitator will help you to think about who this might be. They should be people that you trust. They could give ideas to resolve the difficulties that have been identified.

    You could also invite anyone else who currently supports you. For example, members of a community organisation, school, workplace or faith group.

  • We believe that it is important for children to have a voice, especially when decisions are being made that affect them. We encourage children to attend the session when the family gets together. We will discuss this with you, and can explore ways to help them feel supported. If they can’t attend, our Facilitator will discuss ways to share their voice.

  • People do not have contact with their families for a whole range of reasons. We can help you think about who could be in your support network. They might be good friends, neighbours, or other community members. They do not have to be blood relatives. Consider inviting people who care and you trust.

  • Your friend or family member has chosen to take part in The Dragonfly Project, to help resolve some challenges they are facing. Part of this process is to invite people who support them.  You have been invited because your friend or family member feels that you can help with their situation.

    If you can attend, your role is to listen to the information shared. You and other people invited, will discuss in private ways to address the concerns shared. Your ideas and offers of help are appreciated.

    Our Facilitator will discuss this with you before the session happens. They can answer any questions and concerns that you may have. They want to make sure you feel prepared.

  • If you’d like to share more about this project, please signpost this website: www.daybreakfgc.org.uk/dragonfly

    You can explore our Leaflets on our Leaflet Hub

    You can also share our information on social media - we are on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

  • Dragonflies mean different things in different cultures – but overall, they symbolise change, adaptation and growth. They move swiftly and flexibly and can adapt in life. In some cultures, they are seen as messengers, symbolising understanding and wisdom.

    The Dragonfly project seeks to ensure that people gain knowledge and understanding, empowering them to make positive changes to ensure everyone is safe, and can thrive.