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Lifeline guide for young single mums
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07/08/06 Contrary to popular belief, only a tiny minority of Britain's single parents are teenagers - just three per cent are aged under 20 and only around 14 per cent are aged under 25. But young single mums can be a particularly vulnerable group. Many have little idea about what help is available or where they can turn for advice. National charity One Parent Families has produced a new, updated guide for any young mother who is having to cope alone.
Aimed at under 25-year olds, the Young Mum's Guide is for single women who have found themselves pregnant or are already raising children alone. Produced in an accessible, magazine-style, it's packed with practical information that's useful from pregnancy right through the parenting years.
There are sections on health, money, the baby's Dad, childcare, education and housing, as well as tips on breaking the news about the pregnancy, having the baby and staying in good health. The guide also offers pointers on combating loneliness and isolation. Young mums have contributed to the guide, providing support and practical ideas on how to cope well. Young mothers' employment rights are explained and there's an outline of the financial support they can claim. An extensive resource section includes lots of ideas for places to go with babies and contact details for a range of organisations that can help.
The Young Mum's Guide is a must for any young single mother and for all professionals who provide young mums with support and advice. It's free to single mothers aged under 25 and can be ordered on the Lone Parent Helpline on 0800 018 5026 or at www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk/youngmums. Professionals can purchase the guide at a cost of £5 on 0845 450 0404. Discounts are available for bulk orders. Summaries of the Guide are also available on One Parent Families' website.
One Parent Families' Chief Executive Chris Pond says: "Contrary to the stereotype, most young single mothers never chose to be parenting alone. Many do not know what help they are entitled to or where they can go for advice. The reality of being a young single parent is tough. Juggling a tight budget and dealing with loneliness and isolation can just be that much harder when you're young. We've put together practical information in a magazine-style guide which is for young mums and their advisers alike. We hope it will be a big help to all the young mums who want some back-up advice as they strive to do the very best for their children and to build a brighter future for themselves."
Notes to Editors:
One Parent Families is the leading national charity in England and Wales providing direct services to single parents and campaigning on their behalf. It runs a free advice service and Lone Parent Helpline - on 0800 018 5026 - which every year takes more than 20,000 calls from single parents wanting help. In addition to producing a range of free publications on every aspect of one parent family life, the charity offers employment programmes to single parents who want to move back to the job market.
Press contact: Jane Ahrends 020 7428 5416/ 0788 195 1138
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