The 2017 evaluation, led by Prof Geoff Meads and Kathleen Butler, set out to answer a simple question – What difference does Friends of the Family make? It drew on responses from parents across all three of our projects.
The findings were overwhelmingly positive.
Among the key results:
Crucially, the study found that most of the parents we helped had not been in contact with other social groups and may have been feeling isolated. Coming together with people who had similar experiences helped them to form support groups of their own.
And one final encouraging finding – 100% of parents in the study said they would recommend our services to other parents.
“Friends of the Family have given me emotional support throughout, provided counselling and helped me to access things I needed for the baby when I had no money. I have made good and lasting friendships there and my daughter loves the company of other children. Honestly, I would have been lost without this group.”
Laura, Mums and young children