The Webinar “Welcoming Regions: Creating Conditions for Starting and Sustaining Family Life”, held on 29 April 2025 in the framework of the Mapineq project, delved into the latest family-related research in the UK to discuss how to better support families, and those who would like to start a family in the country. Experts presented data, practical examples and strategies for addressing local challenges to revitalise communities.
You can watch the presentations at Population Europe's Youtube channel and discover key recommendations at our factsheet:
Speakers
Jani Erola, Professor of Sociology at the University of Turku and the Mapineq project leader
Bernice Kuang, Research Fellow in Demography at the University of Southampton
Raj Patel, Associate Director of Policy at Understanding Society, Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex
James-Stuart Duffin, Chief Executive Officer at Relationships Glasgow, Convener on Charity Law at the Law Society of Scotland, and Advisor at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
Key Discussion Themes and Actionable Recommendations
1- Understanding the Gap Between Intentions and Outcomes
As Bernice Kuang (University of Southampton) demonstrated, UK fertility trends reflect a nuanced story: although the total fertility rate (TFR) is declining, the desire to have children remains relatively stable. The two-child norm persists, but young adults are delaying parenthood or opting out altogether due to economic insecurity and pessimism about the future. Nearly half of UK adults aged 18–29 report being uncertain or unlikely to have children. Fertility intentions are significantly shaped by household income and perceived stability—factors that are deeply tied to place-based disparities.
2- The Power of Place
Professor Jani Erola (University of Turku / Mapineq) presented compelling new data from the Mapineq conjoint study revealing that individuals weigh local quality of life—particularly housing affordability, healthcare access, and green spaces—more heavily than job or education opportunities when deciding where to live and raise families. This underscores that national family policies, while essential, must be complemented by local development strategies that make regions more attractive and liveable, particularly for young families.
3- Tackling Structural Inequalities Locally
Raj Patel (Understanding Society, University of Essex) further emphasised that early family formation is increasingly a marker of wealth, not just income. The "parenting gap"—where affluent families invest more time and resources in children—is growing, contributing to long-term inequalities. Overcrowded housing, wealth barriers, and insecure tenancy arrangements are structural issues that must be addressed not only through broad fiscal policies but also through tailored local action.
4- Towards Place-Based Family Support
Stuart Duffin (Relationships Glasgow) showcased how Scottish third-sector organisations are stepping in to add support to individuals on top of public services available. Initiatives such as “healthy relationship cafés” and peer support groups illustrate how relational and place-based interventions can have outsized impacts on family wellbeing and social cohesion. These initiatives demonstrate the potential of municipal leadership and community partnerships in providing preventative support.
Action Points
- Design Local Strategies to Better Support Families
Develop tailored local policies that respond to the unique needs of different life stages—following citizens' consultations. Particular attention should be paid to affordable housing solutions to young people and childcare. - Invest in Early and Preventive Interventions
Scale up relationship-based services at the local level, building on successful models. These initiatives improve long-term well-being and reduce crisis-related expenditures. - Support Intergenerational Engagement
Promote volunteer and mentoring programmes that enable older adults to support families, reducing isolation and strengthening community ties. - Recognise Informal Care Work
Acknowledge and support unpaid caregivers—especially grandmothers—through financial assistance, respite options, and formal integration into local care strategies. - Improve Local Living Conditions
Address overcrowding, green space availability, and public transport through urban and rural planning. - Strengthen Networks
Encourage municipalities to join networks to share best practices and improve regional collaboration. - Monitor and Research Local Impact
Fund research to assess the efficacy of local policies in improving the quality of life of residents.
Acknowledgement:
This event was organised in collaboration with the Project Connecting Generations and is part of the Mapineq project, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the grant agreement No. 101061645 (www.mapineq.eu). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Read more about the Mapineq project here and follow the project on X and LinkedIn. You can also register to receive Mapineq's bi-annual newsletter here.