Published on:
25
June 2025
Families and communities across Clackmannanshire are seeing real, positive changes in their lives thanks to the Family Wellbeing Partnership (FWP), a new independent report commissioned by the Scottish Government has found.
The FWP takes a whole-family, person-centred approach to listening and responding to families and individuals. The report has found that work underway in Clackmannanshire to address child poverty and support families and communities is recognised as innovative and making a positive difference. This demonstrates how public services can become more compassionate, connected, and effective, with the voices of families and communities at the heart of its success.
The evaluation report is based on data collected to understand the impact of the FWP which has been underway in Clackmannanshire for a number of years and is funded by the Scottish Government and the Hunter Foundation.
The report concludes that the wellbeing of individuals and families has improved as a result of the work underway across the Council and with partners. The impacts include reducing social isolation, increased confidence when engaging with public services, improved wellbeing and increased engagement across employment, education and training.
Families also reported benefits to children and young people who are now participating in a wider range of activities and volunteer opportunities. Parents who are accessing funded childcare reported positive changes in children's confidence and social skills, with their own financial stability improving. There are also positive impacts on parents/carers seeking and retaining employment. Working alongside employability and other supports, families and individuals are accessing training and work placements and have reported improved mental health and wellbeing.
“I feel like someone finally listened,” said one parent who took part. Another said: “Before, it felt like services didn’t talk to each other—now we feel supported from all sides.”
The report also positively praised the work of the STRIVE intervention - Safeguarding through Rapid Intervention, which provides a multi-agency response to individuals who are in crisis.
Overall, the report recognises that the FWP is positively impacting on those who had previously struggled to navigate and access services. They now report being listened to and respected, with more control in making decisions about their own and their family's wellbeing, with greater trust in professionals and Council officers. The collaborative leadership and empowerment is recognised as a strength which can improve the wellbeing of local communities and support efforts to tackle poverty through whole-family support. The report concludes that the FWP approach holds important lessons for other communities across Scotland.
Cllr Ellen Forson, Leader of the Council said: “I am pleased that the Family Wellbeing Partnership is helping families and communities in Clackmannanshire not just survive—but thrive. This evaluation confirms what we’ve seen on the ground: when we listen, collaborate, and empower, real change is possible. I’m proud that Clackmannanshire continues to lead the way in public service reform to help support our communities reach their potential.”
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We welcome this evaluation of the Clackmannanshire Family Wellbeing Partnership. The Partnership aims to make it easier for people to access the support they need, when they need it, putting the voices of Clackmannanshire families and communities at the heart of decision-making.
“This work has identified a range of good practice in supporting families at risk of poverty, bringing services together to coordinate support and building strong relationships of trust by engaging families in the ways that work best for them.
“It will also provide vital learning for work to tackle child poverty as part of our Fairer Futures Partnership programme so that new partnerships across Scotland can learn from the great work which is going on in Clackmannanshire.”