Supporting families and children
We specialise in training you to support the families and children you work with, and our evidence-based programmes have made us experts at what we do since 1996.
Mellow started from research by a team of child psychologists and psychiatrists who were trying to understand early parent child relationships. As part of this they developed ways to observe interaction in detail. As technology progressed, the use of video became easier and it seemed that using video to feedback to parents had a real potential to make a difference. The value of this method was later confirmed by research showing that positive video feedback was a powerful tool in changing behaviour*
The first pilot groups, run in a local authority family centre, were quite brief and parents’ feedback showed that parents wanted more time to deal with their own issues of poor relationships in their past, depression, domestic violence, poor self-esteem etc. alongside active work on parenting. It was hard for them to put their minds and energy into parenting while they were struggling to cope with internal and external pressures on their daily life. On the basis of feedback from parents and developments in research, a series of modules was developed to meet the needs of mothers and fathers and children at different stages of development from antenatal to preschool.
*Bakermans-Kranenburgh MJ. van Ijzendoorn MH. Juffer F. (2003) Less is more: meta-analyses of sensitivity and attachment
Mission
We are committed to relationships, and provide the highest quality of support that is evidenced-based and meaningful for the parents, families and frontline workers we work with.
Vision
A world where every parent-child relationship can flourish and achieve the best possible outcomes now and for future generations.
“I enjoyed being at Mellow Dads, it was a great experience, it gave me the chance to hear other dads stories and how much they enjoy being dads. Thank you for letting me be a part of it” – Mellow Dad
“I now know that toys and expensive outings aren’t what kids want. They want your time and your attention. Before Mellow I just thought tantrums were tantrums but now I know why Dean has tantrums and understand how he feels” – Mellow Mum
“I have never been able to speak about the what happened to me and my sister before as it didn’t feel safe. I used drugs to block everything out but I have my daughter to think of now” – Mellow Dad
Our Partners
All our work to date has been made possible thanks to all our funders and donors. We cannot thank you enough for your continued help.
We are also proud to support The United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and follow their guidelines.
Find out more information from Together – Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights.
Team
Our Board Members
Mellow Board Members bring a variety of expertise: they are passionate and dedicated to guiding the organisation to improving outcomes for children and their families all over the world.
Our Board members come from a variety of backgrounds including Law, Business, HR, Psychotherapy, Public Health, Accountancy and Strategy.
There are currently nine members on the Mellow Board:
- Chair – Joy Barlow MBE
- Treasurer – Barbara J Southern
- Secretary – George Mulveny
- Members – Robin Balbernie, Ian Milligan, Lynn Campbell, Gillian Croan, Dawn Finlay
