Black single parents and peer support in Wales

Listening to 18 single parents in Wales, we explored the barriers Black families face in accessing peer support and their ideas for change. We heard a wide range of lived experiences, from the joys of parenting to the challenges, and three main issues stood out. 

Parents described stigma and discrimination that often left them feeling misunderstood and unheard. Some said existing services did not reflect or respect their lived experiences. Others felt unseen both as single parents and due to their race, navigating identities rarely acknowledged together. They called for inclusive spaces that value lived experience and centre the voices of those they aim to support. 

Simultaneously, parents cautioned against assuming that all families face the same challenges. Peer support built on generalisations or overly narrow groupings can unintentionally exclude those it hopes to reach. Within both Black communities and single-parent families, experiences vary widely by faith, gender, migration, and class. Understanding these intersections is essential to providing relevant, inclusive support.

This need for representation extended to children too. Parents of mixed-Black children spoke about the importance of their children seeing themselves reflected in their communities. When representation was missing, some described their children feeling culturally isolated, especially when separated from wider Black communities. 

“Money is the biggest problem as a single parent,” said one mother, a sentiment widely shared. Managing essentials like transport, school costs, and childcare alone, often without support, was a major source of stress. Others described difficulties finding stable work due to inflexible hours, limited opportunities, or discrimination linked to their names or backgrounds.

For migrant parents, these pressures were exacerbated by visa restrictions or No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) conditions, limiting access to support even for those in work. These overlapping challenges show how race, migration status, and single parenthood combine to deepen financial hardship.

Financial insecurity is closely linked to poorer mental health. When families must choose between essentials, the emotional impact can be tremendous. Without addressing economic barriers and embedding practical help, such as childcare or transport, peer support risks excluding those who need it most. 

Parents valued support built on genuine relationships, often found in community-led spaces run by people who understood their experiences. For many, trust determined whether they chose to engage or withdraw. Several described turning to local community groups instead of statutory services due to negative past experiences.

Trust must be earned, not assumed. Historical and ongoing mistreatment of marginalised groups shapes how services are perceived. Some parents questioned how their information would be used after our conversations, demonstrating an acute awareness of how organisations can exploit rather than empower communities. Others spoke of promises made but never fulfilled, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and genuine follow-through.