Connect

Being alongside families

We all know how we feel when we are loved, listened to and alongside people who care. 

By simply being alongside families we can see and feel the importance of having human connections. Some families have very little family supports or friendships groups and can therefore be very isolated. They may face hardships or difficulties alone without understanding that other people are in the same situation. 

We all believe in caring for others and by simply listening and getting to know people, we start to understand what matters to a family within the local community.

We want to truly understand what flexible support looks like for you and your family in your community. What do you want to see in your area for families that would help to avoid tough times? 

We want to work towards solutions together with those in posts who can make the changes. WM2U is an approach, it’s a way of being which is kind, approachable, non-judgemental, relational and trusting. 

How do we create the best place to live for families in your community? We all want the best for our children and families and together we can see change. Let us see change!

Let us see change!

Partnerships

WM2U is about building a more caring and responsive community approach to change through relational working. The WM2U team take a strongly relational approach that relies on their ability to build trust and create the conditions in which people feel able to participate alongside others, whom they may not know. This work of building trust is intensive, personalised and collaborative. This is about contributing to building the kind of country that cares and works together to best support the needs of families. 

There has been considerable investment by the coordinators in ongoing engagement with people who often feel they do not have a voice and with locally based professionals and local voluntary and community sector organisations. Through their approach, the coordinators have developed greater clarity about what WM2U is trying to do and have been able to build authentic trust and a sense of shared purpose, hopefulness and possibilities.

Latest news

  • ENDING CHILD POVERTY STARTS WITH TRUSTING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
    ENDING CHILD POVERTY STARTS WITH TRUSTING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
    Tuesday, February 17th 2026

    What if the key to ending child poverty wasn’t more top-down policy, but giving real power to children, families, and communities themselves? 

    If we are serious about ending child poverty, we must be serious about sharing power. This event offers evidence, experience, and inspiration for anyone shaping policy, funding, or practice in Scotland.

    Read the article
  • Coldside & Maryfield Celebration Event
    Record MIHF funding for Coldside & Maryfield Community Groups.
    Monday, February 16th 2026

    Thirty community groups who are set to bring about positive change in their communities have been named as worthy recipients of the Coldside and Maryfield Make it Happen Fund by What Matters to You (WM2U) at a Celebration event at Fleming Gardens.

    Read the article
  • WM2U Manifesto
    Voice-led Transformation: Our Manifesto
    Wednesday, February 4th 2026

    Executive Summary:

    Scotland faces a crisis, with one in four children living in poverty. The Scottish Government has made tackling child poverty a priority and there are green shoots of improvement. However, the evidence is indisputable: shifting focus to voice-led transformation and support will deliver even better outcomes, stronger relationships and smarter use of public resources.

    Read the article