Families First Supporting Families and Children with Additional Needs

Families First is a small, independent charity based in St Andrews, working alongside families in north east Fife with children aged 5–16 years who have additional support needs. Their core services are One-to-One Befriending (children), Children’s Group Work and Family Support (adults). Reducing isolation, developing self-esteem, improving social skills and relationships are the fundamental goals for the team at Families First. 

The organisation has been supported by the Community Trust for many years now. This year their project was to upgrade the computer systems to make it more efficient to operate. This would enable them to monitor their work, apply for funding and report to beneficiaries on the difference they have made to the children and young people they work with. In June 2016 Families First were honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – an MBE for voluntary sector organisations. 

Manager Morag Coleman said: 

‘We value the contribution of everyone who works with Families First whether directly with service users or indirectly through fundraising, administration and transport. Awards from the St Andrews Community Trust have helped us with a number of projects over the years and the funding they are able to offer is invaluable to our organisation. We really appreciate the local support we receive, last year we realised that 1/3 of all our funding comes from local people. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helps us make a difference to the children and young people we work with.’