Thank you to the bright and brilliant young people

The MHM team want to say a really big thank you to everyone that has taken part in our youth project over the past four years from Craftitude, to game changers, Carnival Club to mini meet ups, Big Meet Ups, C4Cs and ABI group we are so proud of you all!

A word from Nicole, Project lead and Development Manager

I joined SPW to take the lead on the Mental Health Manifesto project when it was already going strong, and goodness what a ride! The thing that has blown my mind is the young people’s commitment, enthusiasm and ideas - it has certainly helped me remain hopeful for the future! I have loved asking them some extra questions at every Big Meet Up and hearing their thoughts and experiences, as well as their solutions to problems. I’ve learnt loads and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute and although it is sad it has come to an end, I know the young people we have met have everything they need already to get where they need to go. So final thank yous: Thank you to all the staff who helped shape and make the project what it has been and contributed to its success. Thank you to all the single parents who enabled and encouraged your young people to join us and to our partners for raising the profile of single parent households. And the final thank you goes to the bright and brilliant young people for volunteering and giving your time and ideas; this project has been yours.

A word from Roy, Youth Events and Engagement Officer

Working in SPW has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I still remember when I first joined as a volunteer and went to the first C4C session led by Talia, I was extremely nervous and anxious because I don’t consider myself to be a very social person who’s good at meeting new people, but Talia and the C4C volunteers were so welcoming of me being who I was that I loved coming to every session and then slowly got addicted to going every week. Shortly after that I met Sharon who is the most kind-hearted and beautiful person that I know and working with her taught me to see the best in people.

I consider myself to be the most fortunate person in the world to be offered a role at SPW as an Events Officer. SPW supported me through one of the hardest times in my life and helped me become a version of myself that I like. Nicole supported me and the entire team so well as a project manager that I didn’t feel like I worked even a single day.

Throughout my role I thought I was supposed to support everyone, but it turns out that everyone was supporting me - the volunteers, the parents, and the team. SPW helped me realize that I want to work in the charity sector for the rest of my life. Working in this project has been the most purposeful and fulfilling thing that I have ever done in my life and I can’t express in words how grateful I am to have received such love, support, compassion, and care working in this project. I truly hope and pray that SPW continues to grow and thrive to support everyone like they’ve supported me.

A word from Talia, Young Persons Volunteer Manager

It has been a wonderful experience being a part of the Mental Health Manifesto project. I remember just before we got funding for this project when we were all coming out of the strange and isolating time of Covid and navigating how to live again out in the open, how to socialise again and readjust to a new normal. It’s been beautiful to see, slowly, our young people reemerge, form rich friendships and strengthen their ability to speak up for themselves and move into a position of leadership and advocacy for other children from single parent households. Just wow - we are so proud. A special shout out to our Youth Action Academy (our 16-24 year olds) for steering our project, for helping us make our work as impactful as possible and for allowing us to learn from them and their expertise. Another special mention to our C4Cs (Champions 4 Change) who have done just that - made such a phenomenal change in our project, community and beyond. They have shown dedication, continual support for one another and bravery as they have stepped outside their comfort zones and dared to try new things. To our GameChangers and Craftituder’s - Thankyou - for sharing your joy and skill of football and art with us! How wonderful that we can improve our wellbeing and find community through doing something we love? It’s been a privilege to meet all the families who have been a part of our project, I will cherish all the memories made! Talia

A word from Sharon, Young Persons Volunteer Manager

I want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to all the phenomenal young people, their families, our partners and facilitators we've had the honour of working with in Swansea.

We are so grateful to every young person who shared their voice, ideas, honesty, creativity and energy throughout the wider project, your input has helped shape and co-produce something truly special. One of my personal highlights has been seeing the wonderful connections grow within the ABI (Achieve, Believe, Inspire) group. We have made so many memories together, lots of laughter, thoughtful conversations, courage, kindness, and moments where we pushed ourselves to try new things.

It has been a real privilege to spend the past two years with you all, and I will cherish the memories, the learning, and the joy you have given us forever.

Finally, we’d love to share some words from our young people: