Existing research and work in the Family Support sector over the years has shown that
Black people can face multiple barriers on accessing support services or opportunities to empower and develop themselves. In part, this is because they tend to be concentrated in the most deprived and improvised neighbourhoods of the country, where educational and development opportunities can be narrower with stigma attached to seeking help.

2as1 counsellors have found through their work with Black couples, that the barriers they face in employment, social & health services, education, crime, poverty and deprivation, significantly influences the way an individual conducts their personal relationships. How they view themselves in terms of well-being, ultimately affects self-esteem and mental health. This vicious circle reinforces the social exclusion that Black people face.

Findings and Evaluation
The Positive Parenting survey and interviews conducted thus far has produced some interesting findings and is driving the way forward for 2as1 Positive Parenting

Development Programme. Below is a summary of our key findings from Parents.

• Personal experience; value/belief systems, culture, tradition and faith were by far the most important influencing factors to parents in their parenting.
• A high proportion of respondents (of different ethnicities) felt that they learnt how to be a Parent from their own parents/guardians (85%) and just 27% learnt from books & the TV etc.
• 61% of respondents felt that the most challenging age group for a parent were teenagers aged 13-18 followed by Toddlers 18 months - 3 years at 21%.
• Interestingly on the whole, all respondents (White, Asian and Black) highlighted that the 3 most important parenting skills were:
• Unconditional Love 39%
• Discipline 27%
• Respect/Patience 21%
• The actual percentage breakdowns for different ethnic groups differed but not at a great variance.

Update:
The data collection and analysis for Positive Parenting will continue for another 12 months to allow a more robust sample for final evaluation.
Help us make it happen: If you are organisation, faith based group or individual who would like to take part in our Positive Parenting Survey or be part of a focus group for consultation in developing services for parents, please contact us as researchforum@ 2as1.net.

For more information……..
To take part in the Positive Parenting Survey…. Click Here!