Drawing from the invaluable insights and advice from our SPW members, we wanted to give some hope and insight for those at the beginning of their journey. We delve into the emotional nuances of the early days of single parenthood versus the wisdom gained over time.

The Connecting Creatively project, funded and in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, focuses on fostering creativity and strengthening bonds within families. Using a trauma informed approach. Participants share positive experiences, emphasising the value of dedicated time for creative activities.

As a single dad, I know how hard it can be to cope with the challenges of parenting, work, and life in general. Sometimes, it feels like there is no one to talk to, no one who understands, no one who cares. But I also know that I am not alone, and that there are many other men out there who struggle with their mental health.

It can be emotional and a difficult experience losing a pet. It’s completely normal to grieve and grieving for a pet follows a similar pattern to grieving for a human relation. Read more for our tips for coping with the death of a pet.

Anxiety disorders and depression compete for being the number one health problem in western society. 10% of the population have suffered from panic attacks, phobias or anxiety disorders in the past year.

Single mothers are more likely to experience poor mental health than those with a partner, and the main causes associated with this are the financial hardships as well as a lack of social support.

This World Mental Health Day we are calling on Government and funders to put a priority on organisations that support single parents and listen to their voices around the disproportionate impact that the cost of living crisis, stigma and covid has had and continues to have on single parents mental health and wellbeing.

SPW is actively committed to promoting positive mental health. As part of the Wellbeing Workshops, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, we worked on creating a framework and strategy for promoting mental health in the workplace.

Mothers Matter was set up by Katy Thomas after she saw a gap in what is needed for new mums struggling with their mental health. We love how compassionate her services offer. In this interview Katy talks openly about her struggles with mental health after her daughter was born and how other mums can reach out, get support and not feel alone in their thoughts.

Every month we spotlight amazing organisations in Wales that are doing great things in the community. This month we are interviewing Olga Sullivan, Director of the Cardiff Branch of Samaritans.

In this interview Olga tells us more about the amazing services they offer, advise on what to say to a loved one that’s struggling and an insight into what their phone lines have been like during covid.

Every month we spotlight amazing organisations in Wales that are doing great things in the community. This month we are interviewing Homestart Cymru including what services they offer, their Rainbow Volunteer programme and how they have expanded to reach families during the course of the pandemic.

Breathe UK are a growing social enterprise with a focus on offering affordable access to counselling and working with other third sector organisations and Universities. Read on to find out about how they adapted to the pandemic and how to make the steps into being referred to counselling.

Adele Jones from Mind Monmouthshire tells us all about the services they offer and a look into the rest of 2021

Feel good and good mood food recipes and snacks to boost mental health and feel good. Laura Warren and fellow single parent gives her top recipes and ideas to use food as a way of making you feel good from the inside out.

Mental health awareness week has a focus on nature this year so we are releasing a series of blogs, videos and audios for suggestions around being more connected to nature.

FAN was set up to provide a friendly and relaxed way for local people and those from around the world to meet, talk and listen to each other. Find out about what they do and how to get involved from FAN Manager Sarah Duncan-Jones.

Clare Skidmore answers our Community Spotlight questions around Race Equality First, and the amazing work they do tackling discrimination and promoting and campaigning for race equality. Read on to find out about the vast amount of work and support they offer and how we can support and promote their services.

Mental health, is a statement that seems to be ever present at the moment, but what does that really mean?  Or maybe the question could be, what does it mean to you?

Please take a minute to think about what the term mental health means to you, maybe jot down what you would say if someone were to ask, 

“Hey, how is your mental health?”

Now, let’s start with what the definition is.

We wanted to celebrate and tell you more information about Mental Health Foundation. We have partnered with MHF right from the start of SPW. They have really supported us to shape and move forward what we do with a focus on mental health. They really are the gurus of mental health in our eyes, and have so many great projects and ways to get involved. For mental health awareness week this year the theme is Nature and the Environment, which we can’t wait for!

We play as children throughout our development, so why, as we grow up, do we stop having all the fun and games? Life becomes busy, stressful and we have excessive responsibilities. So sometimes, we forget what it is or what it’s like to just let go a little. BUT the importance of taking time for ourselves, is one of the main ways to keep our mental health on track! Fortunately for us, the development of games were introduced to help people reduce stress. Wellbeing First let’s talk about wellbeing.