Breaking Barriers
Breaking Barriers: Bringing Families Together, Building Confidence and Connection
Breaking Barriers is a parent-led, community-based approach developed in 2018 to support connection, confidence and belonging for children and their families. It was created in response to evidence that families experiencing disadvantage often face multiple barriers to accessing support, including isolation, low confidence and wider inequalities.
The model focuses on creating safe, welcoming and non-judgemental spaces where families can build relationships, access support and gradually connect with their community. It is grounded in the understanding that many families, particularly those with children with SEND, refugee and migrant families, young or single parents, and fathers, may feel excluded from traditional services without more intentional and inclusive engagement.
A key strength of the approach is its gradual, relationship-based design. Families are first supported through small, tailored sessions that build trust and confidence in a relaxed, play-based environment. Their feedback is central to shaping how services develop, with a strong emphasis on co-production and responsiveness to lived experience. As confidence grows, families are supported to access wider provision, often with practical help such as accompanied visits or financial support where needed. Over time, parents are encouraged to build networks, contribute to activities and play an active role in their community.
Delivery at Grow Wild, a natural play space, is a distinctive element of the model. Outdoor, play-based provision encourages parent–child interaction, builds confidence and helps reduce the stigma sometimes associated with more formal services. It also creates opportunities for connection across different communities.
Consultation with over 200 parents highlighted the importance of inclusive, flexible and accessible services. Families valued welcoming environments, opportunities for outdoor play and practical support such as transport, appropriate timings and culturally relevant provision.
Evidence from practice shows strong outcomes. Parents report increased confidence, new friendships and stronger engagement with services, while children benefit from improved wellbeing, learning and enjoyment. The model has also been effective in engaging underrepresented groups when delivery is tailored and culturally responsive.
At its core, Breaking Barriers works by reducing practical and emotional barriers, building relationships and supporting confidence. This leads to stronger social connections, greater engagement and improved outcomes for families, alongside reduced isolation and increased community integration.
Overall, the project demonstrates that inclusive, relationship-based and community-led approaches can make a meaningful difference. By combining targeted outreach, co-production and play-based provision, it offers a flexible model that can be adapted to improve access, strengthen relationships and reduce inequalities across early years services.
Acknowledgement
This project was developed under the leadership of Max Jervis Read, Chair and Trustee of The Lloyd Park Children’s Charity. His commitment to social justice and belief in inclusive, community-led approaches were instrumental in shaping Breaking Barriers and its focus on reaching families who are often excluded from support.