“We have to top this year on year.” 5 Main Themes From Our Young Person’s Project.
A Thematic Analysis of Field Notes from July-Sept 2024 from the Mental Health Manifesto- Action for Our Future Project
Prepared by: Dr Michaela James Swansea University and Jessica Hope Single Parents Wellbeing
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and in Partnership with Mental Health Foundation, Swansea University and Public Health Wales, the Mental Health Manifesto is led by Single ParentsWellbeing (SPW) CIC, based in Cardiff.
The project aims to engage with children and young people (10-24 years) from single parent households to co-design and deliver what they need to create positive pathways to a mentally healthy future. During the project, beneficiaries are given the opportunity to make new connections, have their voices heard and build positive foundations for their future.
The main 5 themes that have emerged are:
1. Collaboration and Communication
2. Encouraging Creativity and Engagement
3. Personal Growth and Leadership
4. Need For Support
5. Future Ideas
1. Collaboration and Communication
This theme shows the value of cross-organisational collaboration. Quotes highlight the positive outcomes of working with other organisations, such as being invited to participate in events and making valuable connections. For example:
"Organisations were impressed with our work and eager to collaborate, appreciating the introduction of a new service in Swansea"
"The event facilitated networking and potential collaboration with other organisations..."
This demonstrates how partnerships can expand reach and strengthen the sense of community. It is important in projects such as this that these links are made as they can increase capacity and can help create further impact.
A successful collaboration appears to be with Smallwoods. The participation of Smallwoods in leading a session was recognised as bringing new ideas and energy:
"Having Smallwoods lead the session brought fresh ideas and
helped the young people connect."
The idea of bringing services like Smallwoods directly to the SPW community, rather than requiring people to attend a centralised location, was discussed as a way to overcome barriers to participation.
Another aspect of this theme is the need for innovative and effective communication. Social media platforms were identified as essential for engaging with young people and sharing important information. One young person mentioned
“...snapchat, insta and tiktok...” as platforms where young people are active and can be used for outreach. This could also help with collaboration efforts too.
Additionally, the use of hashtags such as “#oneparent,#mentalhealth and #coparenting” were highlighted as a way to promote major events such as Big Meet Ups.
The combination of QR codes and leaflets were also seen as an
effective tool. Creating supportive and inclusive environments is another key aspect of successful communication and collaboration. The openness of the spaces also allowed for meaningful conversations:
"A bereaved mum opened up and asked questions about other bereaved single parents which sparked conversation with other mums"
A welcoming atmosphere can encourage individuals to share their experiences and create connections with others in similar situations.
This theme demonstrates the strong foundation of collaboration and communication within SPW and the Mental Health Manifesto’s activities. Key aspects are efforts to create accessible and supportive for communication and to capitalise on the current and potential opportunities for collaboration.
The use of varied tools and strategies, from social media to in-person networking, shows a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to the needs of the community.
2. Encouraging Creativity and Engagement
(The role of nature, incentives and relationships)
Engagement in activities has been one of the most prominent and consistent themes to arise from the field notes. In more recent events the positive impact of nature has been clear. It has given young people greater opportunities to connect with nature which has emerged as a subtheme. This has proven to enhance their engagement and boost their confidence during these outdoor events.
“The outdoor space enabled YPs to come and go from the activity as they pleased”
“The outdoor setting helped everyone feel calm and engaged”
“spending time in the forest is good for mental and emotional health”
Staff observed that the atmosphere created by nature allowed young people to express themselves both individually and in groups.
During the Swansea Outdoor Mini Meet Up, staff highlighted a specific change in two of the young people who usually engage less where they were notably more vocal and involved in the activities.
This suggests that the outdoor setting may have created a more comfortable and calmer environment, which allowed the young people to feel more relaxed enabling them to open up and engage more enthusiastically.
“The two young people who came spoke more than usual and got really involved in all the activities. They seemed more open and relaxed than in the past.”
Physical activities, such as FootGolf, were also highlighted as effective tools for engagement, particularly because they offered a non-competitive environment for young people to participate in sports. One participant who was “not a sporty person” enjoyed the experience because it “wasn’t competitive.” This shows that creating inclusive, low- pressure opportunities for physical activity can boost engagement and participation among a diverse range of young people.
The importance of understanding and celebrating diversity within the group was also highlighted illustrating the need for inclusive activities that cater to all young people. In some instances, attendees are known to SPW and have been for some time and that brings comfort and understanding. This familiarity helps in creating a supportive, engaging atmosphere, though it was pointed out that balancing individual expression with group collaboration could be beneficial, especially when working on larger creative pieces. Involving volunteers was mentioned by staff as a way of doing this:
“Enlist the volunteering power, ideas, and creativity”
Forging friendships of different ages also came through strongly in the field notes. Observing two girls form a friendship, one age 15 and the other age 9, demonstrated how shared interests could transcend age differences.
“I know like, I look my age but I act way older. Everyone says that, I just get what older people are saying.”
The empowerment of parents, particularly single parents, to attend and participate was also seen as a positive step:
“This empowerment of SP when they don’t have custody of their children, to attend regardless, is something I feel could be beneficial.”
Creating spaces in which this can happen is invaluable.
The choice of food events also received attention. One participant observed that the fruit provided, such as “green apples, strawberries, and fruit,” was very popular and highlighted the importance of catering to the preferences of the young people. The field notes highlighted how much young people have become part of the decision-making process and have taken a lead in shaping the activities which can enhance their engagement. This idea was reinforced with examples like taking on roles in the creation of a banner and other crafts, showing how this model fosters a deeper connection between participants and the event.
Successfully combining opportunities for creativity, inclusivity, and engagement, with food, outdoor spaces, and collaborative activities stand out as key factors in fostering an environment where young people feel comfortable to engage and to express themselves.
3. Personal Growth and Leadership
It was observed that the young people have been demonstrating confidence in roles such as managing stalls and sharing information about project itself. An example highlighted a young person creating a visual display using photos to engage attendees, which showcased the group’s work. These moments highlight not only leadership but also how proud they are of their contributions.
The activities also revealed young people’s growth in being able to take initiative and be creative.
For example, during a t-shirt designing session, staff observed:
“YPs, after a short briefing of activities available, were very clear about what they wanted their t-shirt to look like and were off on task straight away. It was the adult participants that struggled to find direction and needed more support.”
One young person further exemplified creative leadership when they used their t-shirt to sew a scrunchie and then shared this. These examples illustrate how young people’s confidence and creativity can inspire and influence others in the space. Personal growth has also been observed when navigating wellbeing, neurodiversity, and healthy relationships. One staff member shared a moment observing a young person’s confidence in expressing their gender identity:
“They confidently explained their preferred pronouns in a non-confrontational and powerful way... facilitating the conversation with care, knowledge, and confidence.”
This highlights how safe, supportive spaces empower young people to express their identities and guide others through meaningful conversations. This is something that has been regularly observed within the project.
Additionally, the importance of consent and boundaries was evident in how young people approached sensitive situations, such as photography. Staff noted how confident participants were in asserting their preferences:
“You can take a photograph but only when I’m finished”
“Just make sure you don’t have my face”
These interactions demonstrate the young people’s confidence in setting boundaries and advocating for themselves.
The sessions have been providing a supportive environment where participants felt comfortable exploring their ideas, even when they didn’t initially go as planned.
One young person stated,
“This isn’t going the way I want it to go, can I try the umbrella instead?” This comment was met positively, allowing them to try a new approach that they enjoyed. The dynamic also encouraged collaborative growth, as described by a staff member:
“I was a scaffold for the experience... but the dynamic of parent and YP volunteers meant there was a confidence in the space... that meant me being there was largely irrelevant.”
This statement reflects the organic leadership developing among participants, with young people and other volunteers fostering a shared sense of responsibility.
Overall, this theme demonstrates how the spaces and activities can empower young people to grow, to develop
confidence, take on leadership roles, and navigate challenges. These sessions not only provide opportunities for problem solving, creativity, autonomy and leadership in ways that will benefit participants long-term.
4. Need for Support (The need for school support and relationships)
During one of the Connection Café sessions, discussions around school support came up providing many ideas surrounding how schools could provide better support. This suggests that many feel that there is a lack of understanding and support available in schools for people in single parent families. One of the key themes in many of the ideas was about directly going into schools to provide information/training around single parent families. This could potentially be an effective way to raise awareness and educate both young people and teachers, which would hopefully improve children’s experiences and increase the support provided in schools for children of single parent families.
“Go into schools, particularly primary… having a schools parliament where representatives from schools are invited along to a parliament meeting to discuss SP issues would help boost numbers and capture more voices.”
Training for teachers and staff was highlighted as another avenue for support. Young people suggested involving them directly in INSET training sessions to provide firsthand
perspectives. The feedback also highlighted the need for targeted support around school transitions. There are challenges faced during this time and how valuable free events and interventions have been in offering guidance.
The sessions also revealed young people’s struggles, such as managing school pressures, friendships, and other personal challenges. One young person reflected on their tiredness, sharing, “It’s mainly being in Year 9 and the workload but also my friendship with the other C4C member is getting to me… He keeps distracting me in class, and it’s tiring.”
This feedback highlights the importance of providing ongoing support within the project and being able to be conscious of individual needs.
The presence of counsellors was seen as vital, a staff member noted, “It’s important to have counsellors at our weekly events to chat through triggering things.” This also takes the pressure of staff members and provides further outlets for young people to be able to voice their concerns confidently.
Creative, memorable campaigns and interventions were seen as effective ways to connect with young people. Participants proposed developing a slogan or campaign to address stigma, loneliness, and connection in a relatable way:
“Conduct cleverly written and engaging assemblies that are memorable… SPW should develop a slogan that is easy to remember and communicates a message—words that came to mind were LONELINESS, FUN, REASON—TO CONNECT, MAKE FRIENDS, SHARE PROBLEMS, CONFIDENCE.”
Schools have been identified as key spaces for intervention, with recommendations including creating a schools parliament to amplify young
people’s voices, delivering memorable assemblies with clear messaging, and involving young people in INSET training to support staff in understanding single-parent family experiences.
There is an importance of early intervention, support and understanding, with suggestions to provide tools and guidance.
5. Future Ideas
(and positive feedback)
A common theme is the amount of positive feedback the team get from both the young people and parents. This can be used to build on for future ideas. A recurring message that can be seen throughout the variety of feedback is how successful and beneficial the events are in providing different opportunities for both the young people and parents. It is also clear from the feedback that there is a great amount of gratitude towards the team for providing so many opportunities and making everything happen, highlighting how much of a significant positive impact it has on everyone.
“I thought, I dunno why, we would be just watching it. But to be a part of it, in it, this is memories-for-life stuff. What an opportunity and experience for us to give to our children.”
‘One mum turned to me in tears and expressed her gratitude and love of the experience, how overwhelmed she felt...”
There was a strong desire for activities that cater specifically to younger children, particularly under-10s. This came from families with younger siblings who found it challenging to engage everyone simultaneously. Practical suggestions were made to improve event management, particularly around carnival day. Participants suggested clearer instructions and an FAQ section to reduce confusion. Improvements to the café were also proposed, with one participant recommending the creation of a rota to clarify roles.
The importance of promoting positive role models, particularly for boys, was also emphasised during discussions. Concerns about harmful influences, such as “Andrew Tate – he’s a big thing,” were raised. One participant suggested this approach could also help tackle male domestic violence while avoiding “toxic feminism” and ‘man hating.’
Recent success with carnival activities sparked enthusiasm for future events. Young people discussed opportunities to engage with other carnivals such as Pride, the Eisteddfod, and even a festival in Leeds. Parents were also eager to see the project grow.
“What’s next for Champions for Change now? We have to top this year on year.”
Other suggestions included reusing materials at other events to save time and costs and ensuring attendance numbers are tracked to assess long term impact. Another future idea was clearer communication and increased transparency to encourage attendance and reduce “no-shows.” Participants suggested sharing posts on social media and newsletters to help alleviate anxieties around events, particularly for those unfamiliar with the environments. It was also recommended to gather testimonials to show the benefits of attending events.
Mental health was also identified as an area for development. To better support young people during difficult times, it was proposed that counsellors be available at weekly events to help address any triggering or emotional challenges that arise.
There is growing enthusiasm for volunteering. Many participants expressed interest in transitioning from participation to leadership roles, raising questions about the balance between the two. This sparked discussions around organising volunteer-focused events and including families in volunteer opportunities this is something to consider in future planning.
Practical suggestions were made to improve event management, particularly around carnival day. Participants suggested clearer instructions and an FAQ section to reduce confusion. Improvements to the café were also proposed, with one participant recommending the creation of a rota to clarify roles and ensure fairness: “It was the first time with the new rota… some extra reminders would be good next time.” Additionally, activity duration was discussed, as participants noted both positive and negative impacts of extended session times, particularly regarding childcare. One observation was that “the opportunity a three-hour session gives for childcare is to be noted.”.
This theme discusses the positive feedback and future ideas and planning that can help with activities and events. By addressing concerns, promoting collaboration, and ensuring the correct support, the young people envision a future for the project that continues to engage, empower, and inspire everyone involved.
Lessons Learned (adapting and responding)
The team have demonstrated that they are able to adapt and respond to challenges and needs during delivery and engagement with young people. Due to the nature of the project the team are often required to navigate last-minute changes and adjustments for a variety of reasons. This flexibility is important in ensuring the successful execution of events and activities and the team’s ability to think quickly and respond effectively has been crucial in maintaining the success of the project.
“The original plan was to cook over a campfire, but Smallwoods changed the activities. Even though it wasn’t what was first agreed, everyone enjoyed the new plan, showing that it’s important to be flexible.”
“The campfire cooking was replaced with other activities, but this worked out great. Everyone enjoyed the new session.”
This is an important lesson to learn as it shows that structure, activities and styles can be amended and that the team (and partners) are capable of reacting to this. Running large events requires a lot of planning, particularly around staffing and logistics.
"For larger events like these, a minimum of three people is ideal to allow breaks from the noise and interaction, ensuring rest and energy management."
Sufficient staffing ensures smoother running. Scheduling and attendance present challenges. The rescheduling of one event due to staff illness resulted in reduced attendance because "the new date did not suit 4 young people due to their prior commitments."
This highlights the importance of consulting participants before setting new dates or for improved streams of communication. Clear
communication and continuity across sessions were highlighted as key factors in building trust and reducing anxiety. Parents also showed appreciation of clarity, asking questions such as "Where will you park?" and "Will we be by the music?" This communication can alleviate concerns and improve attendance. However, it's also important to recognize that accommodating everyone may not always be feasible.
Practical issues like venue suitability and timing flexibility emerged as significant considerations. There was discussion around one session moving to a later time slot (6–7 pm), allowing participants to arrive promptly after school and have dinner beforehand. Using different venues and making sessions more drop-in friendly, contributed to the success of activities. One outdoor venue was described as "a brilliant space that can definitely be utilized in the future," despite some initial logistical challenges. As well as this, karaoke proved to be a popular activity with young people, reinforcing the importance of incorporating fun, engaging elements into programming.
Finally, having backup options, such as paper EO forms for areas with limited internet access are considerations which will help with data capture.
These lessons underpin the importance of adaptability, proactive communication, and a participant-centered approach to delivering meaningful and inclusive events. While this can be challenging, staff have demonstrated ways in which they have successfully done this.
Momentum within the project is evident, recognising these lessons and building on them can accelerate the project in many ways namely improving attendance.
Recommendations
These findings hold valuable implications for young people from single parent households and suggest potential strategies and points to consider for the future and for the development of a mental health manifesto.
The key recommendations from these field notes are:
1. Utilise cross-organisational working, continue fostering partnerships with local organisations to expand reach, enhance sustainability, and create meaningful impact.
2. Incorporate more outdoor settings for events where they can be with low-pressure, inclusive activities that cater to lots of interests and abilities.
3. Continue to empower young people to take on leadership roles by involving them in event planning, creative projects, and decision-making.
4. Consider developing training for teachers and school staff, including INSET sessions led by young people, to raise awareness about single-parent families and their unique challenges.
5. Include professional counselors at events to address triggering topics and alleviate pressure on staff.
6. Consider communication channels and opportunities to engage online.
Find out more about our young person’s project and how to get involved here.