We're delighted that Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport Maree Todd is able to join us at the event to meet with families and deliver a short talk. Ms Todd is a Scottish National Party politician who has been the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross since May 2021. She was previously an MSP for the Highlands and Islands from the election in May 2016. As Minister responsible for the country's mental health, Ms Todd is best placed to share the government's views on the importance of family relationships in boosting the wellbeing of our families.

Ewan is CEO of Cyrenians, a charity tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness. A former Convener of Education and Leader of Edinburgh City Council and CoSLA spokesperson on Education, Ewan has over 30 years’ experience in the Public and third sectors. He founded the National Prison Visitor Centre Steering group, The Ripple, and two Credit Unions. Ewan is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, Chair of SHAPE, the Edinburgh collaborative of homelessness organisations, a Council member of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, a Board member of The Ripple and a member of the Scottish Government’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans Delivery Group.

In our marketplace you’ll find stalls run by people from many organisations dedicated to helping families find their happy place together. Come along, have a chat with the stall-holders, and leave with great tips and resources (and, no doubt, free pens and badges). A full list of organisations will follow soon.

If the day starts to feel overwhelming, you want to get your head together, or you just want to take a break, around the room you will find a number of zones set aside for you. These spaces include:

• The Quiet Zone: coming to a big event with lots of people can get overwhelming at times. So if you need a bit of peace and quiet you can spend some time in here.
• The Play Zone: for small and big kids alike we’ve got you covered with games, toys and books to enjoy throughout the day.
• Creative Zone: want to create a masterpiece - or a mess-terpiece? Either is cool! Here you can create something as a family to take away with you at the end of the day.
• The Chill Zone: everyone needs some relaxation and here you can take five and breath!

In the morning and afternoon, there will be an opportunity to try out workshops where families can pick up tips on how to strengthen their emotional health and so protect their family relationships - plus the chance to learn as a family. The workshops include:

• A family yoga session.
• Learn how to make meals that are as nutritious and easy to cook as they are cheap.
• A conversation cafe - chat about family issues with other families and experts.
• An exclusive SCCR workshop.