WILD Young Parents’ Project

The work the charity does

WILD told us about Amy* and her son who were supported by the charity. Having come out of a violent relationship, Amy experienced mental health problems and refused to work with professionals. Her baby was on a child protection plan and both were placed in a mother and baby foster placement in unfamiliar area, with possible care proceedings in the future.

Through WILD’s outreach support, Amy was encouraged to attend support groups and take up health support to address her mental ill health. She has taken part in various art and craft activities, and has worked with staff on developing safer relationships and mental health coping skills. As a result of this multi-faced approach, Amy and her baby are no longer in a foster placement, and the child protection plan has very recently been removed. Amy says: 

"I have made friends with mums my age, and I have gained confidence to leave my house, because I used to stay in all the time. I didn't used to want to talk to professionals but now I can talk to them more."

Although the outcomes of their work with young parents like Amy are extremely positive, the charity recognised that its systems and communications are not fit for purpose. In common with many small charities, too much time was spent fighting fires. 

"Before starting with CAF Resilience our biggest worries were a lack of forward planning, no clear vision for the future, and outdated systems."

WILD Young Parents’ Project was one of the first few charities to begin the CAF Resilience Programme. They describe the support provided through the project as “totally transformative”.

"Our team are working more closely together, with a shared vision of the future. Our data systems are improved, and we are better organised, with clearer purpose and understanding of what we are here for."

One of the unexpected benefits of the progamme was being chosen as overall national winners of The Kings Fund GSK Impact Award; the work undertaken with CAF Resilience was a key factor in the charity’s success.

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* Names have been changed to protect the identity of the individuals involved.

Charity Manager of WILD, Jo Davies, speaks to us about taking part in the CAF Resilience Programme.