New Research Highlights the Transformative Support Offered by The Village to Care Experienced Parents in Scotland
New Research Highlights the Transformative Support Offered by The Village to Care Experienced Parents in Scotland
The Why Not? Trust is delighted to share findings from a recently published research article by Sydney Guinchard, the organisation’s Research and Development Team Member. Published in the Scottish Journal of Residential Care, the study explores the vital role of The Village, an innovative online community that provides emotional, practical, and social support to parents in Scotland.
The research identified three key themes that parents valued most: relationships, parenting support, and help accessing entitlements. Direct support, such as food vouchers or essential items, also played an important role in easing financial pressures for families. Feedback also highlighted the desire for more opportunities to connect with other parents in person, which The Village is working to expand.
Relationships and Social Support: A Lifeline for Parents
Parents emphasised the value of consistent, trusted relationships with team members. For families who, for a period of time, were not financially secure, these connections provided not only emotional support but also a reliable, welcoming space to share concerns. One parent reflected on her child having a health issue and said, "It was really nice to have people checking in to make sure she was okay."
For some, these relationships extended to forming bonds with other parents through meetups or classes, such as baby massage. One parent shared, “I feel like I have an amazing support system that helps me grow within myself and as a parent, without judgement.”
Parents also noted the unique value of being part of a community specifically for parents with care experience. This shared understanding fostered a sense of belonging:
“It is really helpful having a safe space to turn to as a care-experienced parent. It can feel isolating because it is hard connecting with other parents who don’t have that shared experience.”
Parenting Support: Building Confidence and Knowledge
The Village was instrumental in building parents’ confidence and providing practical parenting advice, from teething tips to reassurance about their abilities:
“Just the reassurance that you’re doing things right, or even just people saying that you’re doing a good job, that’s nice to hear. It does give you confidence in your parenting.”
Parents also saw positive impacts on their children’s development, particularly through activities such as baby massage classes.
Practical Support with Entitlements: Meeting Families’ Needs
A key theme in the research was the practical help parents received to access financial and material resources. Parents highlighted the role of team members in helping them navigate funding applications and access opportunities they otherwise might have missed:
“I’m getting support with things I didn’t know existed, and with applications and getting proof that I’m care experienced.”
Direct support, such as food vouchers or essential items, when required, also played an important role in easing financial pressures for families.
A Model for Positive Change
Sydney Guinchard reflected on the research, saying:
“The opportunity to hear directly from parents about the impact of The Village was both insightful and inspiring. This feedback highlights the meaningful relationships, parenting support, and practical assistance The Village provides. My hope is that this research helps integrate similar models into practice across Scotland, creating positive change for families everywhere.”
About The Village
The Village is an online community supporting parents of children aged 0-5. Created by and for parents with care experience, it began as a partnership between The Why Not? Trust, Care Visions, Early Years Scotland, and Scottish Attachment in Action, with support from The Promise Scotland, and now sits solely under The Why Not? Trust.
Through social media, online groups, and occasional in-person meet-ups, parents connect, share experiences, and access support. The Village team also provides confidential assistance with parenting advice, advocacy, financial applications, and free activities like baby massage and sensory play. The Village continues to evolve based on feedback, ensuring it meets the needs of its community.
For more information about The Village or to join the community, visit whynottrust.org/the-village/about or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @TheVillageScotland.
Read the full CELCIS article here.