Young Families Outreach Project

The Young Families Outreach Project East Lothian provides support services to families who are vulnerable and under stress and have children aged 0-5 years.

Staff visit families in their own homes and communities and link families into community support in their local area. The project provides individual support to parents in their own homes, family work supporting children and parents together and groups for parents of pre-school children.

Practical support is offered to help parents feel more confident about their parenting - helping them deal with issues that are causing them stress. For example, managing difficult behaviour, setting routines, or any concerns expressed by the parent.

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Mum Kay, Dad Gary, their son Kevin (4) and daughters Julie (2) and Jill (5 months) were referred to us by their health visitor who was worried about Kay's ability to cope with three children under five.

Kevin's behaviour had deteriorated since Jill's birth and was causing concern at home and at nursery. He had become disruptive and aggressive towards his sisters and other children. Gary worked away from home, which meant that Kay was in effect coping as a single parent.

Kay desperately needed help in managing Kevin's behaviour and in developing positive relationships between the three children. Work began with weekly family play sessions to assess where the problems were arising and for the children to get to know the project worker. We then offered Kay individual sessions where she was given feedback from the previous work and the opportunity to talk about how she was feeling. She was offered advice about each child in relation to their stage of development, realistic expectations, parameters of 'normal' behaviour and age-appropriate methods of coping with difficult behaviour.

Kay began to understand Kevin and Julie's feelings regarding the amount of time and attention she was giving to Jill. Kay learned how to engage with them in activities while still caring for Jill and to use diversion and star charts to assist with encouraging positive behaviour. Kay understood that it was not safe to leave Jill alone with the other children and how to ensure her safety.

If you would like to access this service, you can find contact details in our Services Contact List.

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