ABSTRACT
The experience of a UK voluntary organisation, Family Welfare Association (FWA) is used to show that different forms of collaboration between many people and agencies are required for high quality, effective family support services. Although the practical difficulties of collaborative work have long been experienced and are well documented, they are deep-seated and continue to occur. FWA has found that leadership; communication, trust and mutual respect between those involved; and having clear, shared, service focused goals and objectives helps to deal with the difficulties. However, successful collaboration in family support will only be achieved with the development of a culture of collaboration in all organisations, a process that will take time, sustained effort and commitment and coordinated policy support.
