Past, present & future

Muirhead Outreach Project was established in 2004 with a clear purpose:
to support families through challenging times and help prevent children from entering care.

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In the early days, the project operated from a very small office, with most of the work taking place directly in family homes and local communities. We worked closely alongside social work services, supporting families with practical challenges such as school attendance, rebuilding confidence and helping children return home safely.

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As time went on, funding landscapes changed. With increasing pressures on statutory services and reduced local authority funding, we adapted - turning fully to grants, fundraising and community support to continue our work. Despite these challenges, our reach grew, and we began offering additional support through youth clubs and holiday programmes, providing safe and positive experiences for children.

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In 2017, we took time to reflect on our impact. We knew we were building strong relationships with children and families but we also recognised that lasting change wasn’t happening at the pace families needed. Supporting a child alone wasn’t enough if challenges remained within the home.

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This led to a major shift in our approach. We developed a model that works with the entire family unit, focusing on building strong foundations in communication, emotional understanding and relationships. From this, our Foundation Work programme was created - laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term change.

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In 2019, we introduced a self-referral pathway, allowing families to access support as soon as they needed it, while continuing to welcome referrals from education, health, social work and third sector partners. This ensured we could respond earlier and more effectively to families in need.

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Like many organisations, we adapted again during the COVID-19 pandemic. We reshaped our services to better meet the changing needs of families —focusing on family-based activities, wellbeing groups, workshops and ongoing one-to-one support, rather than youth clubs. We also strengthened partnerships with other local organisations to ensure young people continued to access vital social connections.

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Since then, we’ve continued to evolve. We’ve expanded access to therapeutic support, built stronger community connections and refined our programmes to ensure families receive the right support at the right time.

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Where We Are Now

Today, Muirhead Outreach Project is proud to be the first local organisation who worked with the whole family as one unit, supporting them to rebuild relationships, strengthen wellbeing and create lasting change.

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While our services have grown and adapted, our core mission has remained the same: to keep families together through challenging times and empower them to build brighter futures.

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At Muirhead Outreach Project, we work alongside young people and their families to create connection and empower families to thrive.

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We understand that life can be complex,and many families experience challenges shaped by trauma, poverty and isolation. Our role is to step in early, offering support that helps families rebuild relationships, strengthen emotional wellbeing and move forward together. 

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By working with the whole family, we help to repair relationships, reduce conflict and build the foundations for long-term, positive change. Our aim is simple but powerful: to support families to overcome difficulties, stay together, and experience safe, healthy and fulfilling relationships.

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What We Aim to Achieve

​Through our work, we support families to:

• Improve their wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem

• Develop a stronger sense of belonging and connection

• Build resilience and coping skills

• Create more positive experiences and shared memories

• Reduce isolation and the impact of poverty

• Strengthen family relationships and reduce conflict

• Support children to feel safer and display fewer concerning behaviours

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At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to breaking cycles of trauma and helping families build brighter, more stable futures together.

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Why Our Work Matters

Family breakdown doesn’t happen overnight. It is often the result of multiple pressures - trauma, mental health challenges, financial hardship and relationship difficulties - building over time.

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Without support, these challenges can escalate, sometimes leading to children entering care.

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That’s why early intervention is at the core of our work. By providing support at the right time, we can reduce risks, strengthen protective factors and help families stay together within their own communities.

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What We Do

​Connected Parenting Programme

Our Connected Parenting: Rebuilding Foundations for Family Well-being programme is at the centre of our work.

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All newly referred families take part in this 8-week foundation programme, focusing on:

• Communication

• Emotional understanding

• Attachment and relationships

• Healthy routines

• De-escalation and conflict resolution

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We work with everyone in the household, ensuring changes are meaningful and sustainable for the whole family. 

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Ongoing Support & Community Connection

After completing the programme, families can continue their journey with us through:

• Parent groups and workshops

• Wellbeing activities

• Play, art therapy and counselling

• STEM and group outreach sessions

• Family days and activity sessions

• Breaks at our beachside caravan

• Continued 1:1 support

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These opportunities help families build confidence, friendships and a lasting sense of belonging, while continuing to grow and thrive. 

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Our Impact​

​Our approach creates real, measurable change. Families report:

• Improved communication and stronger relationships

• Increased confidence and emotional wellbeing

• Greater ability to cope with challenges

• More positive family experiences and connections

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Most importantly, children grow up in environments where they feel safe, supported and understood—giving them the foundations for a healthier future. 

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Looking Ahead

Demand for our support continues to grow, and so does our ambition.

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We want to:

• Reach more families, earlier

• Expand into new communities

• Build strong partnerships across sectors

• Continue reducing stigma and amplifying family voices

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Our vision remains clear: a world where every family feels supported, connected and empowered to overcome challenges and thrive.