An exploration of existing literature and research into into the co-production considerations when working with children and young people in mental health and wellbeing services.

“I’m Really Glad I Spoke To You.”

A Thematic Analysis of Field Notes from April- June 2024 from the Mental Health Manifesto- Action for Our Future Project.

What young people need to thrive and in a volunteering role.

Natalie Coombs, Lead service manager talks to us about Platfform, a mental health and social change charity and it’s work on the Power Up Project - providing frontline wellbeing support to young people experiencing challenges with their mental health.

Anne-Marie, Wales Development Manager talks to us about Plan International, a global children’s charity striving for a fairer world, their recent project Champions of Wales building a network of champions of equality in their communities and how they’re tackling gender based violence.

Gass talks to us about Afrizon Bespoke Service, an organisation providing information and community support for childcare and batch cooking for families and how offering respite to families in need can make a difference.

“Look what I created!” 5 Main Themes From Our Young Person’s Project.

A Thematic Analysis of Field Notes from Jan-March 2024 from the Mental Health Manifesto- Action for Our Future Project.

Emma talks to us about Place2Be, an organisation providing in-school emotional support to children and young people for 30 years. The importance of art as a way to build positive social and emotional connections and why they’re getting their trainers on in August!

“I like it when it feels familiar, when you know one or two other people there.” 5 Main Themes From Our Young Person’s Project.

A Thematic Analysis of Field Notes from Oct-Dec 2024 from the Mental Health Manifesto- Action for Our Future Project.

Change is an inevitable part of life, and based on how resilient, and how much chnage we have already expereinced, will determine how we respond and react to change. Whether it's the whirlwind of relocating to a new school, adapting to shifts in family dynamics, or facing unexpected turns, change has the power to stir a complex mix of emotions.

“This is where I need to be, these feel like my people”- 4 main Themes From Our Young Person’s Project

A Thematic Analysis of Field Notes from July to Sept, for the young person’s project, Mental Health Manifesto- Action For Our Future.

Prepared by Dr Michaela James, Swansea University, Hannah Spacey, Public Health Wales, Anna Boggiani-Lloyd, Single Parents Wellbeing

A Thematic Analysis of Field Notes from Year 1 of Young Person’s Project- Mental Health Manifesto, Action For Our Future. Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and in partnership with Mental Health Foundation, Public Health Wales and Swansea University.

Prepared by  Dr Michaela James, Swansea University and Hannah Spacey, Public Health Wales

The theme of our August big meet up was “Home”. We were interested in finding out what the concept of home meant to young people from single households, and how their experiences may impact what is important to them in a “home”. One of our young people collected the findings.

Spotlight Interview- Eden and Bullies Out

Eden is a young person volunteer for Bullies Out. In this blog Eden shares what she has learnt about handling tricky situations with peers at school, and why it’s important to speak out and get the right support. Eden also shares more about the important work that Bullies Out are doing.

It’s really hard dealing with our emotions around being a single parent. We wanted to put some practical and useful advice around how to support children having nightmares, plus we wanted other single parents to know that they aren’t alone with tackling this issue.

Let’s have a look at why we dream and have nightmares.

In this blog we have a simple way of ticking a few boxes, cleaning beaches and making a nice keep sake., by safely collecting glass from beaches.

Mary Atkinson is an ward-winning author and complementary therapist, is co-founder of the Story Massage Programme, a fun and inclusive way of combining the benefits of positive nurturing touch with the creativity of stories, poems, and songs. She talks about how this simple concept can help you connect and interact with your child.

Emily has a few hats that she wears including working on the Widening Participation Team, single parent and imspirational young person. In this spotlight Emily talks about the teams vision for young people, juggling being a single parent and what would be in Emily’s Mental Health Manifesto.

As part of our Young Person’s Project we wanted our team wanted to share their experiences of mental health, what has helped them and advice for other young people.