Families Branch

The Network Families Branch is bringing together professionals, local businesses, community groups, and families to explore what it’s really like to raise a family in Plymouth. This is a bold step towards a city where every child and every family feels seen, heard, valued, and supported.

“Trauma is in most cases multigenerational. The chain of transmission goes from parent to child, stretching from the past into the future. We pass on to our offspring what we haven’t resolved in ourselves.”

– Dr Gábor Maté

Working Together Guide Still to Come

Building a Family-Friendly Plymouth, Together

The launch of the Families Branch marks a shared commitment to co-producing a Plymouth Family Agreement — shaped by the voices of families and professionals, and rooted in The Plymouth 10 Wishes, a vision for a city where children and families can thrive through community support.

We’re inviting local businesses and organisations to play their part: offering welcoming spaces, helping families access green and blue spaces, easing financial pressures through offers and discounts, and working together to make Plymouth feel safe, inclusive, and family-friendly. Together, we can build a city where families grow, connect, and flourish — because when families thrive, Plymouth thrives.

A person with long reddish-brown hair is smiling gently outdoors in warm sunlight. They are wearing sunglasses on their head and a small earring, with greenery and trees softly visible in the background.

Branch Lead: Carly Ellicot

Hello, I am Carly, and a co-lead of the Families branch. My background is in early childhood care and education, and more recently I’ve been focused on supporting young carers, raising awareness and pushing for better support to meet the complex needs of children and families.​ I was born here in Plymouth and feel a deep connection to the city — I especially love being able to work and live so close to the beautiful coast path. If I’m not at my laptop, you’ll probably find me at a festival, a music venue, or somewhere by the sea with my family.​

I’m passionate about creating spaces where families feel seen, heard, and valued — and I’m excited to help shape a more family-friendly Plymouth together.​

A person with straight dark brown hair is smiling softly at the camera. They are wearing a white top and a blue lanyard with white text that reads “NHS,” standing against a plain light-colored background.

Branch Lead: Kirsty Mole

My name is Kirsty, and I am really excited to be working alongside Carly as the New Family Branch lead for the Network. I am the Managing Lead for Lark Family Hubs and have a passion for working with children and families in the Early Help sector. I have experience of working with young people with SEND and want to be apart of making services better for families across the city.

Talk to me about all things food related, Scotland, cats, and music. I feel hugely privileged to be involved with the Network – there is so much to learn, and I want to be able to absorb all the knowledge in this space as it’s a real opportunity. ​

Become a branch member!

* Note that by becoming a branch member you will also become a member of the

Trauma Network, and therefore may occasionally receive Network wide communications.




Join our movement for change

Our ambition is for Plymouth to be a trauma-informed city. Our independent network is open to anyone connected with Plymouth with a desire to learn about and promote trauma informed ways of being. You too can join our Network and help Plymouth become a safer and kinder place, where the impact of trauma and adversity is both recognised and responded to with sensitivity and compassion.

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