As the year draws to a close, we're taking the time to pause and reflect on the year. 2025 has been a year of challenges, growth and countless moments that remind us why community matters. Looking back allows us to celebrate the progress we’ve made, acknowledge the lessons learned and carry forward the hope and resilience that define us. Join us as we revisit the highlights and heartfelt stories that shaped this year at Muirhead Outreach Project and get ready for the challenges and excitement of 2026.

Across a variety of events - from wellness sessions to creative gatherings to vibrant outdoor runs - 2025 exemplified MOP’s dedication to:

• Enhancing wellbeing through self-care and supportive community spaces

• Building resilience with shared experiences and celebrations

• Fostering belonging by welcoming families of all ages and backgrounds

• Fundraising collaboratively to sustain vital outreach work

  
  

Muirhead Outreach’s 2025 has been defined by creativity, connection and compassion; supporting families, celebrating community and laying a foundation of belonging for the year ahead.

2025 has been an incredible year for Muirhead Outreach Project (MOP), filled with achievements, community connection and exciting new developments. Here’s a look back at the highlights:

Early 2025: Prioritising Self-Care & Wellbeing

The year began with a relaxing sound bath and cacao drink session in January. Held on the 15th January at the Glenrothes Family Centre, this gentle wellness event encouraged participants to "fill their cup," reduce stress and foster a sense of belonging through self-care practices.

In the new year we also engaged with our community to rebrand and update our mission statement and vision. Our community picked our new statement; Creating Connection and Empowering Families to to Thrive. We began the work of updating our Articles of Association, to bring them in line with our work, our vision and our values. We rebranded our foundation work, creating the improved programme: Connected Parenting: Rebuilding the Foundation to Family Wellbeing, as we feel it gives more insight to what it is we actually do.

Equally safe at Work Accreditation: We began work in earnest on this accreditation and can't wait to be the first charity in Fife to have this accolade.

Easter: Family, Fun & Fantastic Bakes

On the 18th of April, MOP hosted its annual Bake‑off & Family Fun Day at Studio8, an afternoon that combined delicious cakes, bouncy castles, silent discos, Easter-themed crafts, raffles and glitter tattoos. Supported by volunteers from Sky and Amazon, plus a dynamic judging panel, this event brought smiles, strengthened community bonds and raised vital funds to support families.

Summer: Colour, Collaboration & Care

Award-Winning Year: We were proud to be named winners of the FVA Children, Young People & Families Award, a recognition of our commitment to supporting families and creating opportunities for young people across Fife.

Almond Valley Family Day: We brought families together for a day of laughter, learning and bonding at Almond Valley Heritage Centre. 65 individuals came together for a brilliant day in the sun. Families said:

The STEM group launched its pilot sessions. Our STEM pilot project was a huge success, sparking creativity and confidence among families. What started as a trial has now grown into a STEM program, giving children and parents hands-on experience with design, engineering and technology.Families get to work together, learn new skills all while creating a feeling of belonging and achievement.

Anim8 collaboration: Our families created a wonderful comic book with heartfelt and imaginative stories and images.

The Rainbow Run Glenrothes returned on the 31st August, transforming Gilvenbank Park into a kaleidoscope of colour and camaraderie. Over 300 participants and volunteers were doused in rainbow powders, creating joyful connections while raising funds for community wellbeing. Highlights included lively music, family-friendly fun and sponsor support from Fife Council, Leviton, Sky Cares and others.

We also held several MOP POP UPs in Glenrothes, Leven and Kirkcaldy, during the summer holidays, giving families a chance to play and connect and a parents wellbeing session to feed the goats, sheep and alpacas at Wellsgreen Farm.

These groups and sessions:

• Create a sense of belonging

• Improve well-being

• Improve confidence

• Improve self-esteem

• Create an increased sense of achievement

• Give families more positive experiences

• Help families to have more resilience

• Reduce isolation

• Reduce social exclusion

Whilst it seems that play is unimportant, silly or a waste of time, the opposite is in fact true. Play essential to development and well-being. The benefits include; building imagination and creativity fostering cognitive growth improving literacy encouraging greater independence promoting physical fitness as well as delivering emotional and behavioural benefits.

Lack of play can adversely affect development: It can inhibit social and emotional learning and damage early child development. A play deprived child may find it harder to interact with others throughout their lifetime. They may have poor resilience in certain situations and reduced self-control.

Autumn & Winter: Transformation & Magic

Investing in Our Future: We’re halfway through the refurbishment of our Family Centre, creating a welcoming space for all. This includes the development of a sensory room, designed to provide a calming, supportive environment for children and families who need it most.

We ran a pilot in collaboration with Trauma Informed Parenting, helping families with practical advice on how to connect with their children, de-escalate situations and reduce stress and shouting in the family home.

Winter Wellness Sessions: We held three wreath making workshops and a Christmas decoration workshop to give parents the chance to be creative, relax and fill their cup, leaving them ready to support their family and face the festive season.

Panto Magic: Over 100 individuals joined us for a festive trip to the pantomime, spreading joy and creating lasting memories.

Celebrating Our Values

From sound bath and cacao sessions to goat cuddles and Wreath Making Workshops, from Rainbow Runs and Award wins to Equally Safe at Work Accreditation, we’ve continued to prioritise mental health and wellbeing and safety and nurturing, ensuring families feel supported and connected with a sense of belonging and community.

Looking Ahead

2025 has been a year of growth, resilience and joy although not without its difficulties. We said goodbye to one team member as they changed their career path but grew our board of Trustees and members. Challenges with funding and raising funds, makes it difficult for us to reach of goals of expansion and growing the team.

With your continued support, we’re excited to build on our successes in 2026 - expanding programs, completing our Family Centre transformation and creating even more opportunities for families to thrive.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Together, we’re making a difference that lasts a lifetime.