Families First St Andrews

In 2019 Trefoil helped Families First, based in St Andrews with a grant of £3,500 towards a range of events and activities in their busy calendar.

Families First work with children and young people aged 5 – 16, with additional support needs and their families, across North-East Fife. They provide a range of essential services including one-to-one befriending, children’s group activities and support groups for families.

The grant was used to help run a range of activities for the children supported by Families First including: an Easter Egg Hunt, Summer Picnic, October Trip and New Year’s Party. Events like these are a vital part of the service provided by Families First and give opportunities for children to develop their relationships, improve social skills and build self-esteem. The Families First initiative has been remarkable in their engagement of their local community. Strong volunteering links have been established with both the University of St Andrews and St Andrews Baptist Church. This has allowed for events to be run on a regular basis exposing children to a variety of sports and activities. Through these links many volunteer befrienders have developed meaningful relationships with children.

Families First have responded exceptionally in continuing to provide their essential support throughout 2020 despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. One-to-one befriending relationships have been continued digitally and have provided vital social connections for children through what has been such a difficult time.

It is hoped that Families First’s full offering of support including group events will be available in the near future.