New research calls for a focus on relationships in support for families affected by drugs and alcohol in Scotland
“Every connection matters.”
Today, Corra Foundation launches its latest research Connections are Key – Unlocking the Heart of Relationship-Based Practice. This explores what helps and hinders compassionate relationships within support for children and families affected by drugs and alcohol.
Corra Deputy CEO, Carolyn Sawers said:
“We’re deeply grateful to all the families and practitioners who shared their thoughts with us as part of this research. What they said showed just how crucial relationships are. Every connection matters; Whether that is within families, between a practitioner and the family, or between workers.
People were clear that a child is best supported when a parent is also receiving good quality support. As each family member will have different needs, it critical that each person is supported in the right way for them. This means that good relationships throughout the whole, complex system of support for a family are essential.
We look forward to sharing the report and to having conversations with others about how to put the recommendations into practice.”
The report calls on funders and commissioners to recognise the importance of long term, secure funding for services to allow them to deliver relational approaches and to do this well. It also highlights the need for a shift in culture within services so that compassionate care is at the core of practice. This includes nurturing relationships between staff across agencies and sectors, so that everyone involved in supporting those affected by drugs and alcohol feels enabled to develop trust, kindness and care with families.
The full recommendations and research reports can be found at https://www.corra.scot/connectionsarekey/
ENDS
For press enquiries please contact Shelley Gray (Head of External Relations) on 07816 509 772 or shelley@corra.scot and for more information on the report please contact Rowan Anderson (PDI Manager) rowan@corra.scot
Notes to editors:
- The research builds on recommendations from Corra Foundation’s 2015 action research project Everyone Has a Story. This illustrated the importance of positive relationships and listening to better understand the experiences of young people. Connections are Key involved exploring existing literature and theory of whole family support as well as speaking to practitioners and families to understand their experiences of relational approaches.
- Corra Foundation exists to make a difference to the lives of people and communities. It works with others to encourage positive change, opportunity, fairness and growth of aspirations which improve quality of life. Corra wants to see a society in which people create positive change and enjoy fulfilling lives.
In 2020 Corra launched a ten-year strategy. It is long term because making a different on the big challenges will take time. At its heart is the strong belief that when people find their voice, they unlock the power to make change happen.
- Partnerships Drugs Initiative (PDI) is a partnership between Corra Foundation and Scottish Government. PDI supports voluntary sector work that improves outcomes for children and young people affected by drugs and alcohol.
- (The) Corra Foundation is a charity registered in Scotland (No SC009481) and is also a company limited by guarantee (No SC096068).
