Anchor for Families

Rollout of Anchor for Families across all areas of Shetland 

Anchor for Families was rolled out across all areas of Shetland in 2022/23, as part of the final year of the Anchor Project. The learning from the Project led to the creation of Anchor for Families, which provides support to families and universal services, across Shetland, to ensure that families are supported at an early stage.

Families under pressure can end up on a pathway to crisis. Barriers to support are often only overcome when a family reaches crisis. Waiting until a crisis occurs, however, becomes more costly for everyone with long term consequences for adults and children. Anchor for Families walks alongside families that are under pressure and supports them to develop a more positive pathway. Better family and societal outcomes are expected with more individuals and families able to thrive and reach their full potential.

The Anchor for Families team has expanded and can now offer equitable support across Shetland thanks to funding from the Scottish Government’s Whole Family Wellbeing Fund. Every school across Shetland is linked to a worker as a point of contact, with some areas having a more enhanced level of contact. The Anchor for Families team were essential in delivering on the cost of living support provided during the winter. The team:

• Helped to set up St Ringans Hub where people could pick up hot water bottles, blankets, flasks, food and second hand clothing
• Operated the cost of living support line in partnership with other Council services
• Delivered Money Worries training  to increase the capacity and knowledge of other staff every week.
• Helped with fuel vouchers and delivery of fuel vouchers.

Anchor for Families is making a real contribution to outcomes across the Shetland Partnership Priorities. Workers help to bring money into families; reduce household costs and ensure that families have more disposable income in their pockets. Anchor for Families puts people and families at the heart of the support, actively participating in the way the programme is constantly evolving. If something does not work it is tweaked on the way. Anchor for Families also aims to minimise barriers to involvement in education and services, ensuring Shetland is a good place to live.