Those were the powerful words shared by one South Lanarkshire mother during a visit by Fiona Duncan, Independent Strategic Advisor to The Promise, to hear how families are being supported through South Lanarkshire's whole family wellbeing approach.

During her visit Fiona met with families, carers, staff and senior leaders, including South Lanarkshire Council Chief Executive Paul Manning, Executive Director of Education Resources Lyndsay McRoberts, Chief Social Work Officer Aine McCrea, and Chief Officer for Health and Social Care, Professor Soumen Sengupta. Together they heard directly from families about the difference that early, joined-up support can make to everyday life.

The visit was part of Fiona’s Scotland-wide programme to hear directly from children, families and communities about progress in keeping The Promise, and about the changes making the greatest difference in people’s lives.

At Hamilton Family Support Hub, discussions focused on early, joined-up support that helps families get the right help sooner, recognising that children do best when families are supported and communities are strong.

Families, carers and practitioners shared examples of how education, health, social work, early years services and community organisations are increasingly working together around what matters most to children and families.

Fiona Duncan said: “I know that there are thousands of people out there working hard and doing all they can to keep the promise for care experienced children and young people, despite a challenging backdrop of slow structural and system change. Being able to hear from them, learn from them and share that learning is so important.

“We are over halfway to when the Promise must be kept, there is not a minute to waste in creating change, so it’s vital that good practice can be replicated, and barriers can be understood and overcome.”

Professor Sengupta said: “We are helping to keep The Promise by building on our approach to whole family wellbeing — recognising that children do best when families are supported and communities are strong. That progress reflects the commitment of colleagues across the Council, elected members and community planning partners, and has been shaped by the voices and experiences of children, young people and families themselves.

“Our commitment is to keep building on that progress with them, so that more children, young people and families experience support that reflects what matters to them, when it is needed, and makes a real difference.”