WM2U Whitfield Family Group

As a learning partner, I really enjoy visiting the WM2U-funded family groups and learning about the difference the projects are making. I recently visited a family group run by the Community Learning and Development (CLD) team in partnership with local parents at The Crescent in Whitfield, and it was a heartwarming experience! The atmosphere was one of togetherness, where everyone played a role in making the group work seamlessly.

The group started in August-September 2024, when local families were invited to ‘chippy teas’ to share what they would like from a family group. After some discussions and planning, the group started to form, and now each week the responsibilities are shared among the families, fostering a sense of ownership and teamwork. A plan is put together between practitioners and parents every four weeks or so, and one person is tasked with shopping for the food using a voucher, allowing them to choose any local shop to source what’s needed. Others cook or bake, while another leads the kids' activities, a role that has been widely appreciated by the group. It’s a group where everyone mucks in, and the effort is clearly paying off, with a core of consistent families showing up each week.

From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, not just by the practitioners and parents but also by the children themselves. A particularly confident four-year-old introduced herself, asked my name, and even helped me set out the chairs. She then led me to the activity cupboard, where she decided we’d play with the basketball hoop. Soon, her younger brother and more children joined in.
As the group settled in, I had a chance to chat with some of the parents and carers. One parent who enjoys contributing to the group shared how much the experience and the staff has meant to them and their children. They explained: 

I can struggle with confidence. I might seem outgoing, but I still find it hard to speak to new people. I push myself, because before, I’d just sit in the house. Where we live, there aren’t many other kids around for my children to play with, apart from nursery and school. So, this group is so important for my children to spend time with other children. And when the weather is bad, and the children can’t get out in the garden, it’s a relief to have a welcoming space where the kids can run around and try new activities. You know, community workers are also key is this work. You’ve got to have someone. And they’re all so nice, it’s like they’re cut from the same cloth.

Another parent reflected on how the group had helped personally, saying:

It gives me a break from my routine. Most of my days are either spent working or looking after my kids. Here, I feel like more than just a parent. I get to socialise, take part, and contribute.

A different parent expressed how much they enjoy being part of the group and the possibilities for the future. 

It’s good for the kids, and it gives me some time out to meet people. We’d like to arrange trips for the children and families. Some families don’t get the chance to go on holiday or even leave Dundee, so outings would feel like a real adventure.

The group’s connection to other opportunities is also growing. Families are preparing to take part in a Best Foot Forward NHS project, thanks to connections that CLD made at a family picnic meet last summer. It’s a chance for children and parents to work together to make small lifestyle changes. Additionally, several members are gearing up to participate in the Columba 1400 Values Based Leadership Experience (VBLE). This experience offers an opportunity for personal growth, confidence-building, and leadership development.

What I learned is that this family group is a great example of what can happen when people come together. It’s not just about providing activities or support; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued, can contribute, and has the chance to develop.