Family Empowerment and What Matters to You Update

Communities and families across Dundee continue to have a strong voice in shaping positive change in their local areas. 

The City Governance Committee will receive an update on the progress and achievements of the partnership with What Matters To You (WM2U), alongside proposals to further encourage and enable Dundee’s voice-led approaches. 

WM2U works alongside families and practitioners to create meaningful change by listening to what matters to families, understanding their needs, and supporting them to act in their communities. 

Since the partnership began, 59 community groups have received a total of £91,235 in funding. The average grant awarded was £1,412, with grants starting from £300, helping small, community led groups to grow and become self-directed. 

This approach supports the transformation of council services by ensuring people with lived experience help shape change and improvement in their own communities. 

 Family-run WM2U groups have been established in the city. These groups have helped parents build their confidence, meet other families, and take part in planning their local groups. Feedback shows that these groups give parents the opportunity to be more than “just a parent”. 

A Make it Happen Fund has also been created with panels made up entirely of community representation and will award grants to local groups in February 2026. 

Early feedback shows participants feel more empowered, more connected to their communities, and confident their contributions make a difference. 

This approach to Family Empowerment through partnership with WM2U was awarded the COSLA Excellence Award for Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy recognising the investment in families and young people as local leaders. 

Looking ahead, the council will continue working with partners to gather data, evaluate progress, and identify areas for improvement to ensure the plan's success.    

BBC Children in Need and The Hunter Foundation have invested £1 million in this partnership.   

City Governance Conver Mark Flynn said: “It’s so important that communities and families have a voice in shaping the changes they want to see. This work is making a real difference for families, young people and communities across Dundee by helping people connect and play an active role in their local areas. 

“This report highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some groups want to build connections with families in their area, while others are looking for help to access support they didn’t know was available. What’s clear is that through this work, we are listening and helping communities achieve their goals.”  

Depute Convener for Neighbourhood, Housing and Communities Lynne Short said: “As a council, we are working to ensure our communities have a strong voice in shaping the services and support they need, services that benefit both individuals and those around them. 

“We are always looking to strengthen community empowerment and engagement, and it’s great to see this work recognised nationally with a COSLA Excellence Award. I want to thank everyone involved.”  

Feedback from those involved included: 

“I feel we are really able to make a real difference in the community and people are taking us seriously.” 
Charleston Matters member 

“If it hadn't been involved in WM2U I would still be in the house with my other half and kids, go to work or school then home.” 
Parent volunteer, Whitfield 

“To have been given the chance to be part of the Make It Happen Fund was a great all-round experience for me. Our thoughts and opinions were always heard. We were always made to feel we were part of the discussions and plans to move forward.” 
Make It Happen Fund member, Strathmartine 

The City Governance Committee will meet on 19^th January 2026.