Page 18 - report 2021
P. 18
Supporting Children
and Families
WM2U is creating a ‘safe zone’ for parents in Lochee, parents are committed to making change
these areas where they can talk openly and in the future and have clear ideas about the
ask for support. Through their values-based difference they want to make in their communities.
leadership experience and ongoing support with Their energy and sense of enthusiasm is palpable.
local coordinators, parents have developed self-
confidence, a sense that they matter, are valued, The recent introduction of small, personalised
and have something to offer to others. They have a budgets, via the ‘Make it Happen Fund’, has
greater sense of their own creativity, strengths and provided an opportunity to test the impact that
skills and an understanding of their potential as relatively small amounts of money can make
leaders. There have been some important personal when parents are able to identify their needs.
outcomes for some individuals, which include Co-designed with parents and trialled over the
getting a job and moving to more appropriate summer, the fund is already making a significant
housing. difference. Parents told us it was important that
the process be flexible, non-stigmatising and ‘light
Parents speak of how their own changing touch’; they were keen that the fund addressed
perspectives are influencing their lives, and there key themes such as health and wellbeing, learning
are examples of significant changes as individual something new and improving their family life. They
parents have been able to use their newfound also wanted the fund to be connected into local
confidence and skills to make real changes in their community supports and other available funds
lives. For some this is identifying personal goals and that no one should be signposted to another
including enhanced study or career opportunities, local support without a friendly and welcoming
for others it is about finding ways to be more introduction.
involved in their community. In both Cumnock and
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