The Muirhead Outreach Project is an early intervention charity that works with young people and their families, to keep them together through difficult times. We give them a foundation on which they can build, either on their own or with the help of specialist support. Our aims are:
• Parents and children will have improved well-being and mental health.
• Parents and children will have improved se
lf-esteem.
• Parents and children will have an increased sense of belonging
• Parents and children will have an increased sense of achievement.
• Families will have more positive experiences.
• Families will have more resilience.
• Families will be less isolated.
• Families will be alleviated of poverty.
• Children will display fewer concerning behaviours.
• The impact of ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) will be reduced. Family breakdown can be the result of relationship difficulties, individual problems, interpersonal difficulties, manifestation of earlier trauma or structural factors such as poverty. It is most likely a combination or interaction between these factors over a long period of time that can result in children ending up in care. With stress factors at a high and investment in the public at a low, the Muirhead Outreach Project provide early intervention with the intention of keeping families together, in their own communities, through challenging times. Providing timely support is vital. Addressing a child or family's needs early on, can reduce risk factors and increase protective factors in a child's life. All newly referred families work through an 8-week foundation period where they learn about family routines, how to communicate in a positive way and how to effectively de-escalate. During this period, we work with the family as a whole – both parents and child (and anyone else that may stay in the home). We are unique locally, as we work with the entire family. We realise that sustainability means making changes for everyone in the home and, as a result of our inclusiveness, quality of life improves for all members of the family.
