Netflix’s Adolescence has got families talking — about the dangers online, knife crime, toxic influencers and the rise of misogyny both offline and online. The series shines a light on what growing up in a digital world really looks like for young people today. It’s sparked powerful conversations in the Single Parents Wellbeing community about screen time, social media, peer pressure, and how we protect and support our kids in the online world.

Below, we’re sharing real thoughts from single parents and young people, along with practical advice and ideas drawn from their lived experiences. Because when it comes to tech, parenting and adolescence — we’re all learning together.

“Everything feels disorganized and that can be really overwhelming. However it has some ups, for example I see and view things in a different way which can help with my photography”

We chat with Liv, one of our YAA’s about her experience of ADHD and particularly navigating school.

We chat with Ambassador Tania James about what it’s like to volunteer for Single Parents Wellbeing. What made her sign up, what she loves about volunteering with Thrive and what’s next for her!

“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.

The Big Meet Up’s are designed to bring families together for support, connection, and fun. We offer termly events for young people, with a range of activities. From arts and crafts to sports, providing opportunities for children to explore their interests and develop new skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

This Big Meet Up revolved around Christmas. We chose this theme to create a festive and fun environment ahead of Christmas.

We’ve been chatting with the Wise Group and their expert heat advisors are available for you to chat with about your energy use and how to save money on your bills. We also have ten areas and tips you can use to help lower those monthly bills.

TPAS Cymru talks to us about the white paper on Adequate housing, fair rents and affordability and how we as single parents can have a say and make a difference.

Starting high school is a milestone in every child’s life, but for single parents managing two homes, it can add an extra layer of complexity. Between uniforms, homework, and coordinating schedules, it often feels like a juggling act. Based on the lived experiences of parents like us, here are some tips, insights, and solutions to help ease the load.

The insights gathered from the evaluation of the Wellbeing Workshops offer valuable perspectives on the difficulties encountered by single parents and the positive impact the project has made. In partnership with Mental Health Foundation and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

Why is SPW a CIC and What Is a CIC?

Peer led, compassionate and connected approach to being in a single parent household,, improving the mental wellbeing of single parent families.

Being part of a single parent household, the challenges are unique, diverse, and often emotionally charged. At Single Parents Wellbeing (SPW), we prioritise a compassionate and positive approach to support these unique challenges of single-parent living.

Over the past eight months Talia, the Volunteer Manager of the Youth Action Academy (YAA) has been coproducing a ‘Reverse Mentoring’ session.  This involves the young people of the Academy talking to the staff working on the Mental Health Manifesto (MHM) project about their experience of certain topics.  All of the Youth Action Academy members are from single parent households and so have a unique perspective to share with us.  

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.

We chat with Claire Fitzsimmons,co-founder and co-director of If Lost Start Here, a wellbeing company that helps people get to a better place in life, about how her mother’s illness drove her to build a company that supports people who feel lost.

“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.

We chat with Naomi, our Ambassador Lead for Family Footsteps about her inspiration behind joining Single Parents Wellbeing, the sessions she runs and her inspiration to help you get outside with your little ones.

Our Flexible Working Policy is designed to help employees balance their work with the demands of single-parent households, offering a range of flexible options to ensure a work life balance where we thrive in the workplace and in our personal lives.

To create a healthy work environment where every team member can thrive, we have introduced the Wellness Action Plan (WAP) Policy. This structured approach helps employees manage health concerns effectively, ensuring that reasonable adjustments are made where needed, and fostering a culture of support and understanding.

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.