Family Support

We can, if needed, support the parents and carers to manage the challenges they face. We know that by supporting parents and carers in times of need we can achieve better outcomes for the children we work with. Currently, we offer one-to one support, group work and familiy days and drop in facilities.

We need a new focus on supporting the whole family, recognising that families are where children are nurtured to grow and thrive. Simpson, C, Call 21, Children in Scotland Magazine- Special anniversary edition, October 2018, p.11

Parent and Carer's Support Group (PaCS)

Our PaCs group meets every Thursday, during school term time, to have lunch and a catch up with each other. They value this opportunity to take ‘time out’ from their home lives and to meet and support each other.

They sometimes enjoy listening to a guest speaker or taking part in an activity such as arts and crafts led by one of the group members.

The parents and carers come from all over north east Fife and would not otherwise have the opportunity to meet up and share their experiences.

Throughout the year we offer families the opportunity to have a day out together. One these days families get the chance to have fun relax and create lasting memories. Examples of family days out include- Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo, and Dynamic Earth, New Year parties, Easter egg hunts and summer picnics.

We ensure we arrange everything from transport to food so that families can enjoy a stress free day without any worries about cost or how they are going to get there..

Family Days

One-to-One Support

One- to- One support offers more intensive support where families have the opportunity to share their concerns/ worries in the week, this can be done over a walk or over a cup of tea! Part of this is referrals made to other agencies such as:

Women’s Aid (Click here)
Pass it on Peeps (Click here)
Welfare Support (click here)

This can also be support to attend meetings, writing letters of support and or completing forms for families, making phone calls on their behalf.

What is like at Families First!

“I have attended PACs for years and have always enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and being able to talk with other parents/carers who have to same difficulties. It’s good to bounce ideas off each other, feel you are not alone and just vent to someone who will listen and not judge.”

Service user

“I look forward to our weekly meetings as the emotional support means so much, a listening ear and a cup of tea has highlighted to me that they really care for the carer which I hadn’t experienced before and helps me cope no end. Practically I have felt that the group has addressed my needs from hands on help to being a source of information and sign posting.”