a friendly ear

[Hurricane Puffrose]

i know i have possibly put this in the wrong section, apologies and bare with me, im kinda crap at these things, but i have noticed a lot of posts from young mums, single parents etc.

I know what its like to be in debt and have kids, and its horrible! The feeling of helplessness is worsened with young kids, theres not really anyone to turn to as you think to yourself " i should be able to deal with this myself!"

With the admins kind permission, I'd like to suggest a few places where you can have an understanding ear, a "voice" and more advice... a cyber shoulder to cry on if you like.

Chums4mums home page | Take a Break Magazine
They are wonderful people, real mums who have been there too


Gingerbread - Home - Gingerbread - charity for single parents

again, great people! and they look after you single dads too!

One Parent Families Scotland | Promoting supportive policies and services for lone parents and their children
for our scottish friends (wouldnt forget you would i??!!)

If you dont feel confident in contacting them... well... us lot are here too! and we all have shoulders too!


Thank you Admins for you permission to post this, and please remove if i have broken the rules!

[wales01man]

Re: a friendly ear

Although im not in the category described above i thank puffrose for the links and would like to add the following
No matter what problems you have in what ever form there is advice and help out there and on forums like this for everthing dont sit back making your life hell take advantage sometimes just knowing someone has gone through the same thing and comes out the other end helps more than you can imagine i know just corresponding with or reading is the greatest comfort there is. Please remember you are not the first and will not be the last with a problem please seek the help and advice most is free and noone will judge you

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: a friendly ear

I meant to add, DCA, bailifs, they WILL try and use kids as an intimidation tool!

I had one guy turn up at my door for a bill for the previous owners, he even stood and watched us unloading the removals van! He demanded nearly £400 and said how would you like the baby to see her Mummy getting taken away in a police car??
Luckily for me, intimidation came with the job at British Rail, so i replied "the same yours will when they send you down for threatening behaviour.. if your gonna be here you might as well help us unpack cos you wont get a penny out of us for a bill we dont owe!!"

They want to intimidate you! they WANT you to be afraid of them!
NO bailif can have your kids taken off you.

Having a debt does NOT make you a bad parent.. no matter what these bottom feeders will tell you! Your kids are clothed, fed, protected and are more than likely blissfully unaware Mummy or Daddy owes anyone money!

PLEASE dont sit at home and worry, your kids grow up far too fast as it is, dont let these scum ruin the best part with empty threats, if in doubt come on here and yell for back up, it will come and fast!

if you need advice, ive had 3 kids and possibly made a billion more mistakes than you will ever make.. shout of me, im just the other side of a laptop screen.. as are all of us!

TC and dont worry, your with good good people now!

[Bill-K]

Re: a friendly ear

Yes indeed, Puff and Wales01Man. Asa regular forum user over the past 5 years, I seem to see a lot more problems with DCA's & bailiffs now. A sign of these financially difficult times, I guess.

With regard to being judged - those of us here who are giving advice are doing it because we have already gone down that road, and realise just how much difference a bit of help from someone who has already trod that path. That's why you won't be judged - we've all been there and got the T-shirt !!!

[charitynjw]

Re: a friendly ear

Thanks for an excellent thread, Puffrose.

[Hurricane Puffrose]

Re: a friendly ear

more links for families on a budget!!

Sure Start Children's Centres : Directgov - Parents
For free/susbidised child playgroups.. a perfect place to make friends and have a coffee!

Advice on flexible working, maternity and paternity leave
Help for working parents

Contact a Family - for families with disabled children: information on rare syndromes and disorders
for parents with special children (although all all children are special, some just need more hugs and understanding!)