In conversation with: 3D Families

Supporting families in the earliest years of a child’s life is one of the most powerful ways to change long‑term outcomes. In Drumchapel, 3D Families has spent nearly three decades building a model of support rooted in relationships, trust and local knowledge. Innes Burns speaks with Sharon Colvin, Chief Executive, about why demand is rising and how their three‑dimensional approach is helping families not just to cope, but to thrive.

Innes Burns:
What do you do, and who do you support?

Sharon Colvin:
3D Families is a family support charity based in Drumchapel. We’ve been around for 28 years and we’ve developed a unique locality model for family support. We support families from the perinatal stage right through to the age of 12. It’s about developing and supporting family relationships to be as strong as possible, from as early as possible.

We do that in a whole range of ways, from perinatal and antenatal support, to sessions once the baby is born, and then lots of different play sessions for all ages and stages. We also offer peer support for parents, much of which happens organically, but we also facilitate specific peer support groups, including for parents of neurodivergent children.

We deliver parenting programmes such as Solihull Understanding Your Child and Triple P. We have family support workers based in local primary schools. We also run a project called Bear Necessities, which collects and redistributes children’s goods and clothing for families with children aged zero to five in Drumchapel.

Alongside that, we have a charity shop called Bairns Boutique, which sells low-cost children’s goods and clothing to local families. We’re supported by around 30 volunteers, and we provide development pathways for them as part of our work.

We now describe our work across three dimensions. There’s 3D Drumchapel, which is our direct family support work in the local community. Then there’s 3D Systems Change, which brings together services working with children and families, including health, education, social work, housing, police and third sector organisations. We work together to understand what’s working, what’s not, and what we can do differently so that every interaction creates positive change for children and families.

The third dimension is 3D Futures, which takes all the learning from our 28 years and turns it into a capacity-building programme. We work alongside other communities, offering training, consultancy, coaching and support, so they can develop their own family support models based on local relationships and knowledge.

IB:
I just want to say, it’s such a brilliant name. I love it. Helping children at an early stage is not straightforward, it’s multi-dimensional, and the name really reflects that.

SC:
We changed our name at the end of last year. We used to be called 3D Drumchapel, but because we’re now reaching out to other communities, we wanted something more generic. It’s still very much about that 3D approach, supporting families to live three-dimensional lives where they’re thriving rather than just surviving.

The three dimensions are also about how we support families emotionally, relationally and practically. It’s about the whole family unit living that three-dimensional life.

IB:
What is the demand like for your services in Drumchapel right now, and how has that changed over the years?

SC:
Demand is high, and it’s been increasing. Everything we deliver is busy, and we could fill our services many times over. The challenge is always how we support the right families at the right time in the right way.

Going into schools and nurseries helps us reach families where they are, and we work closely with statutory and third sector partners so families can be referred to us. We also do joint home visits with other organisations. Even with that, demand continues to exceed capacity.

IB:
What are the most common barriers families face in accessing support?

SC:
The biggest barrier is often that initial point of access. Some families don’t know about us, don’t have the confidence to come along, or don’t know what we offer. Others feel that the service isn’t for them, or feel embarrassment or shame.

Although many of our sessions are universal and open-access, that first step can still be difficult for families who need support the most.

IB:
How do you deal with stigma and the fear of judgement?

SC:
It usually starts with that first face-to-face meeting, often through joint home visits with other services. Our family workers approach families without judgement. One of our core values is showing love for families, so that in every interaction families know they are valued and that they matter.

We work at the family’s pace and can continue home visits for as long as needed. When families are ready, we support them to come into the project. We’re flexible and adapt to what each family needs to feel safe.

We’re also developing welcome packs for new families moving into Drumchapel, working with health visitors and housing associations. These include information about 3D Families, a small gift, and an invitation to visit us. When families come in, they can meet a family worker if they want, with no pressure.

Even families who other services think won’t engage often do once we have that first connection. It’s about constantly showing people their worth.

IB:
Finally, if you had a message for decision makers in Scotland, what would it be?

SC:
It would be to work with those on the ground and with families themselves to design change through listening and co-design. Every community needs a family support base that families can access when they need it.

If support can be as universal as possible, from the point someone has a baby, with access to family support, peer networks and practical help, that would make a huge difference. That kind of wraparound support needs to be properly resourced and funded.

Not just incredible, but necessary.