Strengthening Families Project: Background

Having a baby can be a wonderful experience yet it can also be extremely stressful. The relationship between the parents can come under particular stress as new routines are introduced and life changes dramatically.

Research shows that 50–80% of new mothers experience some amount of depression. This is hardly surprising when you consider the sleepless nights, lack of leisure time (and time for their partner), pressure on finances, hormonal changes and so on that mothers of young children often experience.

Parenthood can be extremely daunting; to be told that your child is disabled can lead many couples into crisis. The time of diagnosis of a disability is a time of considerable challenge, stress and crisis for a family. Most parents do not expect to have a disabled child, and find it difficult to re-adjust their expectations. The relationship between the parents often becomes secondary to caring for the child.

Scope’s Strengthening Families Project has worked extensively alongside parents, who have contributed directly to the training package.

The project also worked with a number of professionals and voluntary organisations, including Contact a Family, Relate, Sunfield School , One plus One, the Face 2 Face Network and Recognising Fathers.

For more information, please contact the Strengthening Families Project on 01480 454875 or email strengtheningfamilies@scope.org.uk