Window to our world

What is Window to our world?

As part of Family Fund’s 50th anniversary we invited families we have supported with a grant for a family break, day trip, or play/ leisure equipment, to capture and share their personal moments together. This was our Window to Our World photo research project. The project showcases the importance of taking time to enjoy family life. It also shows how support from Family Fund enabled families to do this.

A photovoice project

At Family Fund, all of our work starts from the position that families are the experts in their own lives. Our role is to listen, so we can ensure that everything we do is underpinned by family voices. We do this by offering families a space and platform to share their stories and what is important to them.

In our research, we work hard to be a trusted friend to families by deliberately using less structured, more participative research methods. A participative research technique called photovoice was used in this project, in which participants are asked to share their experiences using photos of their choosing and then take part in an interview to share the stories behind the pictures.

Why did we choose this technique?

We chose the photovoice technique because it helps to address the power imbalance between people taking part in research and the researchers. Indeed, this approach enables families to talk about the things that really matter to them. Also, it allows for richer, qualitative material from everyone taking part.

About our photovoice project

In our research report, we share personal insights and key themes from families on a low income raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person across the UK in 2023. Eighteen families have chosen to take part and explain more about their experiences.

Take action today 

At Family Fund, we also want to encourage everyone to think about how they would, and could, change life for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child. If you are ready to pledge your support to create positive change, let us know about actions you could commit to, to drive change.