Full Description

As a result, many families delay seeking support until challenges reach crisis point. Opuruiche Karungi provides early, inclusive, and nonstigmatising support, ensuring families can access help both before and after diagnosis, without needing to wait for formal assessments.

The project is grounded in the principles of GIRFEC (Getting it Right for Every Child), The Promise, and the National Principles for Holistic Whole Family Support, ensuring coordinated, preventative, and compassionate support that places children and families at the centre.

Through a combination of family support, wellbeing activities, and community engagement, Opuruiche Karungi helps families to:

• Build confidence in supporting neurodivergent children
• Improve emotional wellbeing and family relationships
• Reduce isolation through peer connection
• Access appropriate services and resources earlier
• Develop long-term resilience and coping strategies

Activities are delivered in trusted, accessible community spaces across Renfrewshire, creating safe and welcoming environments where families feel respected and understood.

Building on PACHEDU’s strong community track record  supporting over 2,600 individuals during 2024–2025  Opuruiche Karungi continues to expand inclusive, preventative family support and strengthen community wellbeing across the region.

Target Group / Who Can Join

The project supports families across Renfrewshire with children aged 0–16, particularly:

• Families raising neurodivergent children
• Families of children with Additional Support Needs (ASN)
• Families of children with disabilities
• Families of children displaying distressed or risk-taking behaviours
• Parents and carers seeking guidance, peer support, and community connection
• Families from ethnically diverse and migrant communities who may face barriers accessing support
• services

Support is available both pre-diagnosis and post-diagnosis, ensuring families can access help early without waiting for formal assessments.

Activities Offered

The project provides a range of supportive and engaging activities designed to strengthen whole-family wellbeing, including:

• Parenting workshops and guidance sessions on neurodiversity and distressed behaviour
• One-to-one family support and talking therapy
• Peer support groups and parent forums
• Family recreational and Creative wellbeing activities
• Community cultural events promoting inclusion and awareness
• Resource packs and practical guidance to help families navigate services
• Volunteer training

These activities promote confidence, emotional regulation, family bonding, and community connection.

Schedule & Location

• Days: Selected Saturdays Times: 11:00am – 3:00pm
• Frequency: Quarterly and special event sessions
• Venues: Community venues across Renfrewshire

Some activities also take place through outreach and partner venues

Project Lead & Contact Details

Project Lead: Anita Nalumansi
Email: anita.nalumansi@pachedu.org

Team Members

• Community volunteers
• Activity facilitators
• Partner organisations including schools, health services and third sector groups
• Community wellbeing practitioner
• Community advocates supporting inclusive engagement

The project also works collaboratively with partners including education, health services, and community organisations to strengthen support pathways.

Success Stories

Opuruiche Karungi has supported many families across Renfrewshire by creating a safe and welcoming environment where parents and children can connect with others who understand their experiences.

The project continues to build a growing network of families who support one another and participate in community life.

Key outcomes include:

• Reduced social isolation through peer support and community engagement
• Increased confidence among parents supporting neurodivergent children and managing distressed behaviours.
• Improved family relationships through shared activities and experiences
• Increased access to support services and resources through guidance and signposting
• Improved wellbeing for children, young people, and parents through creative wellbeing activities, peer support and guidance.

More than 20 participants have already taken part in Artskill activities, developing creative skills while building confidence and community connections.

Families frequently report improved wellbeing, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of belonging within their community.

These outcomes contribute to healthier families, stronger communities, and better long-term outcomes for children and young people across Renfrewshire.

Quotes

• “This project helped my family feel welcomed and understood. It’s a safe place where my child can be themselves.”
 — Parent participant
• “PACHEDU helped me and my children navigate through very difficult moments. Their guidance and support gave us the confidence and direction we needed.”
 — Parent participant

Anything Else To Add

Opuruiche Karungi forms part of PACHEDU’s wider mission to promote diversity, tolerance, and dignity for humanity by creating inclusive environments where families from all backgrounds feel welcomed, supported, and empowered.

The project contributes to long-term community wellbeing by:

• Strengthening family resilience
• Reducing barriers to early intervention and support
• Improving understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity
• Building stronger, more inclusive communities

Through lived experience leadership, culturally responsive practice, and collaborative partnerships, Opuruiche Karungi aims to ensure every child and family has the opportunity to flourish and thrive.