Strengthening Partnerships and Listening to Families, Our Co-Designed Process For a New Perinatal Pathway Programme
Strengthening Partnerships and Listening to Families
One of our key achievements this year has been strengthening our partnership with Save the Children. Together, we took time to reflect on our early years services and, most importantly, listened closely to local families to understand their experiences, needs, and hopes.
Through open conversations with families who have accessed our services, we co-designed a new Perinatal Pathway Programme. While the programme launched in 2026 and its longer-term impact is still being evaluated, families have been at the heart of every step.
This collaborative approach means future support will feel more responsive, more accessible, and truly shaped around what local parents need during pregnancy and those early, important years of parenthood.
Building on What We Know Works
For over ten years, PEEK has delivered free early years playgroups for local families — creating safe, welcoming spaces where children can play, learn, and grow.
In 2023, we took this even further by introducing antenatal support, connecting with parents before their baby arrives.
As more families got involved, they shared their experiences openly. While antenatal support made a real difference, many told us the biggest challenges came after birth: feelings of isolation, low confidence, and barriers to accessing services like Play Café groups
Together, we recognised a gap in the journey and an opportunity to do more.
Through the Save the Children’s Innovation Project, we are now able to respond to that gap, strengthening support at one of the most important and vulnerable stages in a family’s life.
Recruitment
We invited families who had recently experienced the perinatal journey with PEEK, from antenatal sessions and parenting workshops to Play Café groups.
From the very beginning, we were clear: this project would be shaped by mums, for mums.
Planning
Session 1
In week one, we focused on bringing everyone together and creating a safe space for honest conversations.
Mums shared the realities of life with a newborn, the emotions, the pressures, and the unexpected challenges. These conversations were open, powerful, and full of insight.
Together, we began to identify gaps in support and what could have made a real difference.
Session 2
We split into teams and pitched ideas Dragon’s Den style, with families sharing their visions for what support could look like.
Ideas included peer support groups, buggy walks, parent skill-sharing sessions, and activities for the whole family.
After a vote, one idea stood out: Weekly Mum & Baby Wellbeing Group, 9 out of 13 votes.
Session 3
This week was all about bringing the idea to life.
Together, we explored how the group could work in practice, what felt realistic, what was achievable, and how PEEK could support delivery.
We also brought in elements from other ideas, shaping a weekly group that feels practical, flexible, and rooted in real experiences.
By the end, there was a shared sense of achievement: we had created the group we all would have needed.
The Project
Phase 1
Phase one will run between 23rd April and 25th May, focusing on building connections and understanding families’ needs, with a strong focus on mum’s wellbeing.
We’ll begin with relaxed, welcoming sessions like crafts and baby massage, creating space for mums to connect while sharing what support and practitioners would be most helpful in future phases.
Phase 2
Phase two will run between 4th June and 9th July and is all about bringing mums’ ideas to life.
We’ll enjoy outdoor buggy walks over the summer, alongside sessions led by practitioners and parent skill-sharing opportunities, all shaped by what mums told us they wanted most.
Phase 3
Phase three will run between 16th July and 3rd September, continuing the momentum from phase two.
By this point, we’ll have a full calendar of activities planned in advance, and we’ll begin welcoming community partners to raise awareness of the wider support available to families.
Phase 4
Phase four will run between 10th September and 15th October.
As sessions move fully indoors, the focus will shift to reflection and looking ahead — supporting mums to set personal goals and build confidence for the future.
Phase 5
Phase five will run between 22nd October and 26th November.
This final phase is all about celebrating progress. Families will reflect on their journey, recognise what they’ve achieved, and see how far their confidence has grown.
We’ll also explore next steps, including helping families transition into Play Café sessions and other opportunities within PEEK.
Developing the Timetable
The Budget
Venue: £40 per session x 30 = £1200
Travel reimbursement: £6 x 150 tickets = £900
Snacks/refreshments: £10 per week x 30 = £300
Freelancers/practitioners: £80 x 20 sessions = £1600
Materials for sessions: £20 per session x 30 = £600
Contribution to PEEK salaries = £400
Total: £5000
Volunteer Opportunities
There are so many ways to get involved and support mums on this journey:
Letters of Support
Write a letter to a new mum; these will be shared at our first session to offer encouragement and connection.
Peer Supporters
Join the group and be a friendly face for a mum, check in, listen, and help her feel supported.
Awareness Raisers
Help spread the word about PEEK and this group, share on social media, connect with community groups, or visit an antenatal session to welcome new parents.
Parent Skill Shares
Come along and share a skill, from recipes and baby crafts to henna or something you love doing.
Knowledge Sharers
Can’t attend in person? You can still help by sharing tips, advice, and ideas through our Trello board for families to access.
Next Steps
We’re delighted to confirm our venue:
Indepen-dance Studio, 159–161 James St, Bridgeton, Glasgow, G40 1BS
If you’re interested in getting involved as a volunteer, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at hannah@peek.scot to get started.