A Co-constructed and Co-produced Evaluation of the Anchor Project in Shetland

Appendix ii. Anchor Parents Photovoice Data

Parent Information Returned Before the January 2023 Meeting

Male Parent Participant

Background – I am a single male parent of two daughters …. I have for the past five years shared split custody with my ex-partner………

I have unfortunately used illegal substances as a crutch. I am currently on a methadone programme and I am attending substance misuse hub. I have mental health issues and am finally getting support. I have been let down very badly though in the past. As a result of all of this I have been unable to work for some time. All in all I have felt complete despair

(project worker) from the Anchor Support Service was the first person in all this time who has helped me. I wouldn’t have what I do now if it hadn’t been for her. She has listened to me. She has been in connected with agencies for me, telephone, sent emails, shared information and attended meetings with me. The agencies I have dealt with in my situation are often I feel dismissive and unhelpful. (Anchor worker) has attended (name of School) School to have my voice heard, she took me to a hub for food and clothes which was a life saver at this time of year, helped me with CAB as I found them useless in the past. Provided me with a chrome book for the kids to do homework on and helped me get a man to come and fix it all up for me. She has provided me energy support for my quarterly bills and is providing a good parcel for Xmas that will be so helpful. She (project worker) is my anchor. I think it is great as it is cannot think of anything to do more of, just do what you do for more people.

Female Parent Participant 1

(Project worker) from Shetland anchor project asked if I could give you a few sentences about my experience with them. I honestly don’t know where to start. Both (project workers) have been incredible. They have helped me and my daughter so much. (project worker) never lets me feel ashamed when I ask her for help especially when it comes to money worries. It’s so hard being a single mum and struggling to keep your child warm. But (project worker) is always there to help us whether that’s giving us advice or handing us blankets and hot water bottles. And she always goes above and beyond for us. She’s always there when I need someone to talk to, advice or practical help. The anchor project is really lucky to have her as part of the team.

Female Parent Participant 2

Here are the pictures I took and a small piece of writing.

I have been involved with the project for some time now, receiving support at times on a weekly basis. The support has been a huge benefit in a number of ways. These involve food packages and clothes when I’m in desperate need due to a low income and growing children. I think the biggest benefit however has been being able to speak to one of the anchor workers. We often speak through texts and phone calls. When things have gotten really hard, she has always been a phone call away for reassurance and support. I was often reminded that I was doing a great job of being a Mam to my wonderful children but I had to think about my own needs sometimes too. She encouraged me to do something I’d been really anxious about starting and eventually I signed up to do a degree which has been one of the best decisions of my life. Without the support and encouragement, I don’t think I would of signed up when I did. I am extremely grateful for the support I have received from Anchor and would highly recommend them to anyone needing that little bit of extra support.