Dorset

​We operate our services Paragon, First Point Dorset and Young Lives across Dorset.

To browse roles available, visit our Dorset jobs page.

Who are Paragon?

Since 1985, our diverse team has supported adults and children affected by domestic abuse. Starting with a women’s refuge in Portsmouth, we expanded in 2010 as You First to support a wider pool of victims and address intersecting issues like identity, location, and lived experience.

We developed community-based teams, including Dragonfly for rural areas, and increasingly work with whole families. In 2021, we became PARAGON, reflecting our values and collaborative, holistic approach—always putting victims and survivors at the centre.

Who are First Point Dorset?

We work alongside people aged 16+, providing help and support to reduce homelessness, poverty, poor physical or mental health, or social isolation. Through our central point of contact, you can speak with one of our friendly team about your situation. We also help with returning home from a hospital stay.

Who are Young Lives?

We aim to help young people gain the skills needed to live independently by developing confidence, self-respect, and the ambition to achieve their goals.

Together we focus on the young person’s strengths to help them identify what they want to help them build a better future. We’re an integral stepping-stone to a young person’s independence, helping their families, too.