# Single Parents Wellbeing

Single Parents Wellbeing CIC, also referred to as Single Parents Wales, is a Welsh community interest company (CIC) dedicated to supporting single parents through a range of well-being initiatives, peer support networks, and advocacy programs. Established in 2017, the organisation has garnered attention from national media and health organisations for its innovative approach to reducing loneliness and enhancing mental health among single-parent families. Its model combines practical workshops, emotional support, and community-led projects that reinvest surplus funds into further community benefit.

## Background and history

Single Parents Wellbeing CIC was founded by Amy Holland and her friend, Rachel Cule, on 7 December 2017, in Cardiff, Wales. As of 2024, the organisation's director is Julie Green, a former patron of the organisation. as a response to the unique challenges encountered by single-parent families. The founding members, motivated by firsthand experiences of social isolation, financial hardship, and mental health struggles, sought to create a peer-led support network tailored to single parents. Through initial research and pilot programs, they developed a comprehensive model that focuses on mental health, community engagement, and practical support.
Since its inception, the organisation has expanded its services across Wales, offering both in-person and online workshops designed to equip single parents with skills in self-care, financial management, and parenting.

### Funding and financial structure

As a community interest company, Single Parents Wellbeing reinvests any surplus funds directly back into its community projects. The organisation operates on a social enterprise model that prioritizes community benefit over profit generation. This financial structure enables the organisation to develop initiatives such as its “Community Pot,” which funds projects proposed by single parents themselves, ensuring that the programs remain responsive to the needs of the community.

### Programs and services

Single Parents Wellbeing CIC offers a diverse range of programs aimed at fostering community connections and supporting mental health. The organisation conducts regular workshops and events covering topics such as self-care, financial planning, and parenting skills. These sessions are designed to provide practical advice and foster a supportive environment where single parents can share experiences and strategies for overcoming daily challenges.
In addition to educational workshops, the organisation facilitates peer support groups that offer both emotional and practical support. These groups help mitigate the feelings of isolation that many single parents experience, as documented in various media reports. In some cases, Single Parents Wellbeing CIC has also provided employment opportunities to those it supports.

## Impact and recognition

Single Parents Wellbeing CIC has partnered with the Mental Health Foundation on various projects aimed at supporting single parents. One notable collaboration is the Creating Connections program, which focuses on peer-led self-management and support for single parents. Evaluations conducted by the Mental Health Foundation have demonstrated the effectiveness of the organisation's workshops in reducing loneliness and promoting emotional well-being among participants.