Thrive Together: A Year of Growth, Connection & Single Parent Volunteering

One year ago, with support from The National Lottery Community Fund and in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, we launched Thrive—an ambitious, single-parent-led volunteering project designed to support mental health, reduce isolation, and build skills. One year on, it's not just a project—it’s a movement (as pointed out by one of our volunteers).

“It feels like having a purpose, helping people to feel more socially comfortable. And I’ve developed; gained lots of skills and made friends. There’s ongoing training and support, but it’s really personalised.”
– SPW Volunteer

What Has Thrive Achieved?

Thrive has changed how volunteering works at SPW and, crucially, how it works for single parents.

• 59 volunteers supported in one year—exceeding targets

• 33 new volunteers joined us; 26 existing volunteers remained active

• 15 lead roles created and sustained

• Only 7 people disengaged entirely—just 10.6%

• 216 additional single parents reached through peer-led events

Volunteers haven’t just turned up, they’ve taken ownership. They’ve co-produced events, led campaigns, supported one another, and shaped what Thrive is becoming. Together, we’ve created:

• 72 events, from cinema clubs to solo parent walking groups

• 37 top-up wellbeing workshops, tackling everything from grief to menopause

• 10 volunteer upskilling sessions

• 17 pieces of online content, reflecting the real voices and experiences of single parents

“I’ve done volunteering before where there was lots of pressure. At SPW you do what you feel you can. I don’t run regular events, but I usually do something each month. You don’t feel pressure to do something.”
– SPW Volunteer

Mental Health, Belonging & Flexible Support

At the heart of Thrive is community. Volunteers describe SPW as “a second family”a place where they feel seen, heard, and valued.

We’ve built a flexible, stigma-free space where single parents can engage without judgment. Whether hosting an event, joining a WhatsApp chat, or just coming along for a cuppa, every form of participation is welcomed. Our monthly volunteer meetings, Learn Share Network events, and Peer Lead roles all offer space to grow, at your own pace.

“There’s always someone I can message if I need support or just a friend.”
– Thrive Volunteer

Campaigning for Change

Single parents don’t just want support—they want to be heard. Thrive volunteers led 7 campaigns on key issues like:

• Universal Credit (with Trussell Trust)

• Housing policy (with TPAS Cymru)

• Mental health systems (with Wales Knowledge Exchange)

• The benefits of volunteering (with Public Health Wales)

Our volunteers aren’t just taking part—they’re shaping policy, raising awareness, and challenging stigma.

“It makes me feel connected and valued—like my ideas matter.”
– SPW Volunteer

What We Learned

Thrive’s first year was packed with learning. Some highlights:

• Flexibility is key. When single parents are given true flexibility, they stay engaged—and they thrive.

• Peer support is powerful. Informal connections often make the biggest difference.

• Campaigning matters. Volunteers are passionate about raising their voices on issues that affect their families.

• The right support makes it sustainable. Our Volunteer Manager has been vital—offering everything from DBS support to check-ins at a time that suit busy single parents.

We also recognised some challenges:

• Managing high numbers of volunteers takes time and care.

• Diversity is growing, but we still want to better reach single dads and underrepresented communities.

• Our onboarding process has improved, but we’re working to make it even more inclusive and complete.

Looking Ahead: Thrive Year 2

We’re not slowing down. Year 2 of Thrive will bring:

• A bigger, better Volunteer Hub and volunteer packs. Plus growing the Volunteer Meetings

• Developing the recognition programme

• Peer mediator training to help manage conflict and support others, plus expanding the training further

• A focus on intergenerational volunteering (family-friendly events) and getting more dads involved

• More leadership roles for experienced volunteers and a buddy system

• A refined events offer, so there is clear categories

• A campaign to share our Year 1 learning far and wide and engaging with even more community organisations

“Being around people who actually understand means it’s easier to turn up and be yourself... Since being part of SPW, I’ve been really happy to identify as a single parent—it’s reduced the shame and loneliness.”
– SPW Community Member

Thank You

To every volunteer, supporter, partner, and single parent who has joined us on the project—thank you. Thrive is what it is because of you. We as a team are so hopeful for the next 2 years and beyond. The community that has been created is really special, we want to build on that and make it even better!

“I think they sustain because they like the Ambassador community we have created. They find friends and feel a sense of belonging.”

Rachel, Thrive Volunteer Manager

“Our staff attend events as a peer, and really take the time to build relationships and get to know the volunteers. If they want to pause they can, and still attend events and be a part of our community still. They have spoken a few times about how they feel guilty about pausing, so we give lots of reassurance, and also voice that we understand. That compassion and connection has been key.”

Amy. Project Development Manager 

“It’s been a joy to watch the project develop in its first year. Working together to create a smooth onboarding process and supporting the team to nurture the volunteers alongside creating and developing training and CV boosting opportunities for our ambassadors.” 

Sarah, Operations Manager 

To read more about Thrive and to get involved yourself, then take a look here.