Recent studies have revealed there are around 50,000 single teenage mothers in the UK most of whom are aged 18 or 19 and 200,000 lone parents under the age of 25. Alice Eaton talks to a single mother of two to find out what life is really like for women raising families on their own.

Donna's story
Donna Pearce is 21 and bringing up her two daughters, aged two and three months, single-handed in a hostel in Saunderton. Despite admitting that there have been lots of ups and downs to being a single mum, she is now embracing motherhood and encourages others in her situation to do the same.

"I was working in a shop when I fell pregnant with my first daughter, and I had to give up work as childcare costs a fortune and I wanted to bring her up myself I didn't want to miss out on anything. To start with it was horrible, really hard," says Donna.

"When I fell pregnant a second time, that was definitely it. I couldn't go back to work then. I was upset at first, but I have got used to it now, and I am doing fine."

Donna lives in a self-contained apartment in a hostel and receives a lot of support from friends and family.

"The youngest has just started sleeping through the night. The sleepless nights and being mum and dad to the children was hard to start with although they do still see their dad."

Donna has had to learn to put herself second now she is a single mum. "As long as my girls are clothed and have got everything they need I don't mind about myself. Although yesterday I did buy a few things for myself, but I think it is about a year since I have done that."

Donna's advice to young mothers in the same situation is to keep going.

"You have just got to get through it. It is really hard at first and it takes a long time to get used to being a single mum, but it does get better. I am a full-time mum and I love it."

Useful numbers for lone parents:
Gingerbread gives information and advice for lone parents on a wide range of issues. Call 0800 018 4318 or visit www.gingerbread.org.uk

Log onto www.ukparents.co.uk for information on a coffee mornings network sign up and you can arrange to meet other mums in your area.

Childcare Link can give you details about your local services and provide listings of childminders, nurseries and out of school services. Call 0800 096 0296 or visit www.childcarelink.gov.uk

 

Magazine just for single mums
Single parent charity One Parents Families has produced a new updated guide for young mothers who are having to cope alone.

The Young Mum's Guide is aimed at under 25-year-old single women who have found themselves pregnant or raising children on their own. The guide is produced in a magazine format and includes information on childcare, finances, education, training, housing, benefits and tax credits, employment and healthcare.

There is also advice on life skills and parenting, as well as practical tips on how to beat loneliness and isolation.

A reference section gives contact details for a range of advice agencies, support groups and organisations offering help to parents who are having to cope alone.

The Young Mum's Guide is available at a cost of £2.50 but is free to young single mothers who call the charity's Lone Parent Helpline on 0800 018 5026. Orders can also be placed at www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk