Family Fun and Friendship
1
The Pitch
Problem statement
Families have told us that the current Cost of Living crisis, following closely after the impact of living through a pandemic has compounded challenges already being experienced by them. The families referred to us for support face multi-deprivation eg. loneliness, isolation, poverty, illness and disability. As well as accepting self-referrals, families can be referred by Health Visitors, Mental Health workers and other local support services. Our volunteers and staff will support families to access wider community services such as Welfare Rights and CAB. We will help to build resilience and coping mechanisms to ensure parents feel able to meet their children's practical and emotional needs.
Solution
We support 105 young families (189 children) per year across Angus.We offer a mix of 1-1 befriending and social groups.Although we have a waiting list for each of our 6 x weekly family groups,they are at risk of closure due to current funding coming to an end. Our families have expressed their wish for this type of support to continue. In Sep 2022, 13 families surveyed told us that, as a result of coming along to our group: 100% of adults and children felt more confident, 62% were choosing healthier eating options, 85% reported improved emotional health. The funding will help us sustain these groups. This will ensure all of the current 48 families attending do not lose this lifeline support
Why are we best placed to deliver?
We have supported families across Angus since 1994.We are the only organisation in Angus currently offering early intervention and prevention support to vulnerable and isolated young families,providing role-modelling of effective, attuned parenting practices. The mixed staff/volunteer leadership of our service is unique.We have a small, dedicated staff team and a team of 32 trained volunteers with years of experience of working alongside vulnerable families.Parents have told us:‘I look forward to group every Friday.The staff couldn’t be more kind.I feel more confident meeting new people’.'It’s so helpful to be able to talk to other parents.I love that staff are supportive and non-judgemental