Families can be sure of a brighter future
Joy as special support group wins five-year funding
Campaigners fighting to save the threatened Families First projects are delighted they will continue.
Renfrewshire Council confirmed it was setting aside £5 million for a five-year Tackling Poverty Fund, which includes funding for Families First.
Last December, mums and dads who use Families First learned there was no guaranteed funding in place for the project to continue in Foxbar, Gallowhill and Johnstone.
They started a campaign, meeting and emailing councillors and an online petition.
And now they’re delighted their efforts have paid off.
Stephanie McQuade said Families First Gallowhill changed her life – and she’s “over the moon” the service will continue.
“I couldn’t be any happier, it’s fantastic,” she told the Express.
“We had to wait until they announced the budget. I was there at the budget meeting, I wanted to make sure it got passed and it got the funding it needs.
“It’s being funded for five years so it’ll build up a bit of trust with the clients.
“I’m over the moon. We got over a thousand signatures on the petition and handed it to the council.
“What got this passed was the fight from the community. That’s what made a difference.”
The Families First scheme offers practical help to referred families on issues like parenting skills, wellbeing, energy bills and budget advice.
There are financial and welfare advisers on hand to make sure people know what help they’re entitled to, while cookery classes, baby massage and summer children’s projects have helped strengthen community bonds.
Two services in Ferguslie and Linwood began in November 2013 and it expanded in March 2016 to include Foxbar, Gallowhill and Johnstone.
Differences in the way the Ferguslie and Linwood groups were funded meant their future was secure but there was no cash set aside for the other Foxbar, Gallowhill and Johnstone groups until Renfrewshire Council agreed its budget late last week.
Education and Children’s Services Convener, Councillor Jim Paterson, said: “We’ve made a commitment to Renfrewshire’s most vulnerable families by ensuring this valuable programme is secured for the long-term.
“Families First has helped support hundreds of families since it began and the new £ 5 million Tackling Poverty programme will ensure we continue to support families when they need it.
“In-work poverty is a significant issue that many families face. Low- income families are struggling to make ends meet and this has an impact on their own life chances as well as their children.
“We want to ensure every child, regardless of their background, is given the best chance in life to reach their full potential and supporting the family is essential to raising attainment for all and closing the poverty- related attainment gap.
“The holistic approach of Families First ensures our communities have the support they need to thrive and our children achieve success in school and enter positive destinations after leaving school.”
Also included in the budget was support for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds with the continuation of the Cost of the School Day fund, breakfast clubs, school counselling and other projects that support health and wellbeing.
Clothing grant payments will also increase to £70 per eligible child to help parents buy school uniforms.
Support for StreetStuff and the mobile library service known as the Skoobmobile have been confirmed for the next five years as well as claimant support, advice services and digital inclusion support to help people access support to manage their finances.