Over the years, includem has sought the views of children, young people and families across a number of areas – including services, school experiences, mental health and wellbeing, youth justice, poverty and more. Building on this understanding and practice, we worked with those we support to develop the #NeedsNow Manifesto for the 2022 local elections – focused on what they believe is needed in communities.
This is intended to be the beginning of a larger conversation, bringing what matters to children, young people and families to the heart of our policy & research. We are on a journey to embed participation and co-production into everything we do to #KeepThePromise.
We will continue to build the Space, Voice, Audience, and Influence needed to ensure their expertise by experience is recognised and heard.
Key Needs Now publications:
ACCESS is about the right, opportunity, and/or ability to benefit from support you are entitled to.
Many people are unable to access support when facing challenges such as endemic low-income employment and bereavement. This is caused by a number of challenges – including gaps in safety nets, funding cuts, disconnected services and experiences of stigma.
Often, help is only available when families have passed a point of crisis.
Our response to the Care and Justice Bill Consultation (2023/03)
Our response to the National Care Services Bill Consultation (2022/08)
Our response to the Improving Victims Experiences Consultation (2022/08)
Our response to the Scottish Mental Health Law Review Consultation (2022/06)
GIRFEC: Wellbeing Assessment Consultation (2022/02)
Poverty-related Stigma Research (2022/03)
Voices: Families Experiences of Poverty and Services (2021/11)
Voices: Families Experiences of Poverty and Services (ACADEMIC) (2021/11)
The Benefits of the Restorative Approach in the Charitable Sector (2021/08)
BASICS are about the essentials to a decent life and your rights to them.
Cost of living is rising, and wages and social security are reducing in real terms. This impacts people’s ability to provide basic resources for themselves and their families. Local areas must have access to safe housing, affordable supermarkets, health services, decent transportation, and nature. All children and young people should feel included and nurtured in education.
A growing number of families are being left without access to the basics – such as a Home, Food, Health, Education, Transport and Nature.
Wellbeing & Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill Consultation (2023/04)
The National Discussion on Education: Submission (2022/11)
The School Experience of Young People: pre and during Covid-19 (2021/08)
Ending the need for foodbanks Consultation (2022/01)
The Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People Inquiry (2021/12)
Education Consultation Cover Letter (2021/11)
Living in Poverty: A Form of Permanent Lockdown (2021/10)
Ofcom Response (2021/09)
CONNECTIONS are about resources, opportunities and spaces that bring individuals and groups together.
Continuous cuts have weakened connections that are vital for health & wellbeing. Local areas and neighbourhoods, particularly in communities facing deprivation, no longer reflect the needs, strengths, and aspirations of the people in them. There is a real need to develop and invest in resources, spaces, and services for everyone to thrive.
People are often left to face hardship alone.
Physical Intervention in Schools Guidance: Consultation Response (2022/10)
Child Poverty and Cost of Living Crisis (2023/04)
