Strategies utilized for bolstering parents' emotional well-being within their communities
The Power of Community in Enhancing Parental Mental Health
Being a parent comes with its fair share of roller coasters - the joyous highs and the challenging lows that can take a toll on one's mental health. For parents who are more vulnerable, such as those living in poverty, single parents, young parents, or parents managing long-term conditions, it's crucial to protect their mental wellbeing.
The Role of Community in Supporting Parents
You’ve probably heard the saying, "it takes a village" when it comes to parenting. Family and friends can offer much-needed support. But not everyone is fortunate to have such a backup. Some may lack supportive family or friends due to various reasons, and at times, those close to us might not fully comprehend the struggles we face as parents.
That's when peer support groups come into play. These groups are central to our work with parents and families. They connect individuals sharing similar experiences, fostering a sense of understanding and belonging that we, as parents, crave. These communities promote connection, offer support, and alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
We reached out to members of our Parent Champion Group – a peer support group for parents – to understand how this community positively impacts their mental health.
For many parents, when they need a community the most, theirs tends to shrink. Maintaining connections is crucial, and this is where peer support groups can make a significant difference.
The members also mentioned the following ways the Parent Champion Group has helped them:
- lessening the pressure
- feeling heard and validated
- boosting confidence
- building friendships that make you feel less alone
- making your world a bit bigger
- precious moments to escape the noise in your head
- feeling less alone in the world
- making every session worth the smile and leaving with a brighter mood
- making me happy
Our Parent and Family Peer Support Groups
Our programs operate nationwide, catering to specific groups such as single parents and families. These programs bring people together to share their challenges, learn from each other, and discover the confidence and tools required to transform their experiences and grow their communities.
Nadine Rose, our Project Manager, shared her insights:
"What people really need is a safe space to open up about their struggles, access resources that protect their mental health, and a chance to connect with others. That's why it's crucial to have these peer support programs – so people can connect, share their experiences, and find new ways to cope."
How to Find a Parent Community
From parent meetups to baby-and-me yoga classes, online chat rooms, and WhatsApp groups – there are numerous ways to discover communities of parents.
Here are some ways to find a new parent community:
UK-wide:
- Check your local council website
- Utilize the Peanut app or Meetup app to discover local groups
- For single parents, explore Gingerbread's groups or forum
- Search for local services for parents and families on the Barnardo's website
- Find family support through your local Home Start
- For families with disabled children, seek workshops and events to connect with similar families
- Attend parenting workshops provided by Family Lives in your area
In Scotland:
- For families across Scotland – One Parent Families
- For dads in Scotland – Dads Rock
- Join events for LGBTQ+ families – Rainbow Families
In Northern Ireland:
- Discover local services for parents – FamilySupportNI
- Seek peer support for parents struggling with their mental health – The Parent Rooms
In Wales:
- Explore local services for parents – Children in Wales
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Find out more This content is tagged with:
- Peer support groups, such as the Parent Champion Group, play a significant role in promoting mental health among parents by offering connection, support, and a sense of understanding, especially when one's personal community shrinks during challenging times.
- To protect their mental wellbeing, parents can turn to community resources, like parent meetups, online chat rooms, WhatsApp groups, and local council websites, for support, connection, and a chance to share experiences and learn from each other.
- Community-based organizations like Gingerbread, One Parent Families, Dads Rock, Rainbow Families, FamilySupportNI, and The Parent Rooms offer various programs and forums geared towards single parents, families, and parents of children with disabilities, providing essential support and resources for mental health.
- The Mental Health Foundation's collective efforts during Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place annually from May 12th to May 18th, focus on highlighting the importance of community involvement in enhancing mental health and well-being.
- Positive online communities, though primarily digital, can also contribute significantly to mental health improvement when navigated safely. Members of the Mental Health Foundation's community programs emphasize the positive impact such communities have in providing escapes from the noise in one's head, creating connections, and bolstering self-confidence.
