Over the past three years, Cerebra has proudly funded a pioneering research program at the University of Warwick, focused on enhancing the wellbeing and resilience of families of children with developmental disabilities.

The program, titled Positive Family Connections, sought to address the unique challenges faced by these families while leveraging their inherent strengths. Recognising the significant stress and relational difficulties these families encounter, we supported this initiative to foster innovation in family-focused interventions, ensuring that children and their carers thrive together in a supportive environment.

Identifying a critical need: why Cerebra chose to fund this research

Families of children with developmental disabilities are at higher risk for stress, mental health issues, and strained family relationships. Traditional support services often focus on addressing crises rather than building on families’ positive experiences and resilience. Cerebra chose to fund this program to fill this critical gap by co-producing a solution that aligns with families’ real needs and priorities.

This program was an opportunity to create meaningful change by developing an intervention that encourages well-being, strengthens family relationships, and promotes optimism. For many families, access to such a resource could transform their daily experiences and long-term outlook.

Overview of Key Research Achievements

The research team at the University of Warwick achieved significant milestones through the Positive Family Connections program. Their work focused on three main objectives: co-producing an intervention with family carers, assessing the program’s feasibility, and evaluating its preliminary impact.

Below are some of the key outcomes that illustrate the significance of this research:

Co-production and development
The Positive Family Connections program was co-created with family carers to ensure it met their unique needs. The six-session, virtual program was designed to strengthen family systems and promote a positive perspective in participants’ lives. Trained family carer facilitators led the sessions, fostering peer support and shared understanding among attendees.

Feasibility trial
A cluster-randomised trial involving 60 families demonstrated the program’s feasibility, with high retention (98% at nine months) and adherence rates. Participants reported meaningful psychological benefits, including reduced stress and improved family relationships. Facilitators also noted the program’s credibility and impact due to its peer-led structure.

Preliminary benefits
Families who participated in the program described feeling less isolated, gaining new perspectives, and experiencing positive changes in their relationships. Facilitators emphasised the importance of lived experience in fostering trust and relatability.

Significance of the findings: scientific and societal impact

The Positive Family Connections program establishes a strong foundation for future large-scale trials, showcasing the potential of co-produced, peer-led interventions to enhance family support services.

Preliminary findings suggest that the program effectively improves carers’ psychological wellbeing and strengthens family dynamics, offering a promising alternative to traditional crisis-focused approaches. By emphasising positivity and collaboration, this initiative highlights the importance of designing support systems that empower families to thrive together.

Family carers played a central role throughout the program’s development and implementation, ensuring its relevance and relatability. The program’s findings have been widely disseminated through academic and public channels, including conferences, workshops, and accessible resources. These efforts emphasise the program’s broader applicability and potential to influence family support services on a larger scale.

Looking ahead

The Positive Family Connections program demonstrates Cerebra’s commitment to supporting innovative approaches that make a meaningful difference. By funding this initiative, we have helped lay the groundwork for transformative advancements in family support services, reflecting the charity’s long-standing dedication to improving the lives of children and their families.

The program’s outcomes highlight the potential for larger trials to validate its effectiveness and expand its reach. Continued refinement by the University of Warwick team, informed by participant feedback, ensures the intervention remains both relevant and impactful. Celebrating these achievements, we envision a future where co-produced, strengths-based family interventions are widely adopted, providing essential support and fostering resilience for families of children with developmental disabilities.

Read the full end of grant report here.