Home-start are helping our lonely young mums

Home-start are offering a helping hand to young mums in a new project aiming to prevent loneliness.

Although young mothers are less likely to be recognised as a group at risk of loneliness, the true extent of the problem is shocking.

A report by the Co-op and the British Red Cross earlier this year showed that 80% of mums under 30 meet their friends less after having a child.

This may seem reasonable; having less money, being more tired, organising childcare or just wanting to stay with little ones can make it harder to keep in touch with friends.

However, these statistics can have a real effect on the lives of individuals.

The same study found that, of mothers aged between 18 and 25, 49% felt lonely always or often and four in every five under 30 feel that way some of the time.

A Young Women’s Trust report in 2017 said that more than a quarter of young mums leave the house just once a week or less.

This is unsurprising when we look at the 73% of those polled who faced unpleasant behaviour – having their parenting criticised, being asked personal questions - when with their children in public.

To tackle the problem, the British Red Cross have awarded Home-Start with some short-term funding for a project that will span Oldham, Tameside and Stockport.

In total there will be five events followed by six weeks of weekly meet-ups for eight mums at a time. 

Home-Start is one of the leading family support charities in the UK, helping 30,000 families with young children to build better lives.

Their support in this area has already had a huge impact, with 94% of parents feeling less isolated after involvement with the service.

The first of two special events they are offering is “Party in the Park”, an afternoon of baby and toddler activities, music maker sessions and photo booth.

The session will be held in the conservatory in Alexandra Park from 11:30 to 1:30pm on August 31 and then again on September 2 at Ryecroft Hall in Tameside from 1pm.

If you are a mum who would like to go along or know one who would, then make a referral through an email to: home.start@nhs.net or call 0161 344 0669.

The referral should include the mother and child's name and date of birth, address and contact number.

This will be used to make a home visit before the event and begin the family's relationship with Home-Start so they can talk about what they would like to see at the sessions.

The service  advise that anyone who is able to attend the first events alongside the mum for support would be fantastic as a lot of hand holding may be needed initially.

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