Taking care of yourself – separation and beyond

[Poppy]

What do you do to take care of yourself?

We know how rewarding and how difficult it can be as a single parent. Separation and ‘every day’ life can be hard and put a real strain on you and your children. It’s really important that you look after yourself and reach out for help when you need it – we think you deserve to feel safe and supported.

Understanding where to go, what your options are and what to prioritise can be additionally stressful and time-consuming. We have a freephone Single Parent Helpline open Monday – Friday for you to get specialist advice on areas like child maintenance, housing and benefits and a library of information on lots of topics – have a browse!

There are other places to turn to if you need support:

• Family Lives have a freephone helpline open evenings and weekends for all family issues
• SANE has a freephone helpline to talk about how you’re feeling and emotional or mental health
• The Samaritans have 24/7 listening volunteers on the phone and via email
• The National Domestic Violence helpline is free, 24 hour and open everyday to talk about historical or current abuse
• Find counselling and therapy on the NHS website and more supportive services on our wellbeing factsheets
• Join your nearest Gingerbread friendship group for support and connection with other single parent families

Take care of yourself – and share your self-care tips below!

Poppy at Gingerbread x

[Sarahthisgirlcan]

I struggle with self care but yes it is majorly important to put yourself first at times. You cannot pour from an empty cup. I find one of the most important things I can do for myself as a self employed single parent is to find uplifting groups to spend time with. I recently attended a local self employed mother’s group and left feeling so much more positive x

[Isabellesmummy1990]

It can be hard i find sometimes i just forget as im so worried about making sure my little girl is ok and like to go out as much as we can x

[Shay]

During times I feel stress and tension, I use mindfulness apps to remind me to breathe, recognise what it is I’m feeling and why. Then finally reminding myself what I have in life to be grateful for. It reminds me that no matter how tough it may be, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

[Author]

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