Having been founded nearly a hundred years ago, when the Bastardy Acts were in place and illegitimacy was terribly discriminated against, they continue to be a force for good, campaigning and supporting and being a wonderful resource. I thought it would be interesting to hear more about them, so asked if I could return the compliment and feature them too!
I think most of us know someone, somewhere who could benefit from something here. Please pass on anything you feel might be helpful to them. It's written (with mutual thanks) by Anna Pietrowski:
Single
parents, be part of it!
Being a single parent means you’re probably an expert at
doing it yourself – getting on, dealing with it and working it out. But can all do with a bit of support from
time to time.
Gingerbread is
the national charity for single parent families. We provide expert advice,
practical support and campaign for single parents. At the heart of what we do
are our members, over 40,000 single parents from all walks of life who joined
to be part of an organisation that speaks out for you and helps make your
voices heard.
Here are just a few of the reasons why single parents join
Gingerbread.
Make new friends
Ever wondered how you’ll fill the evening ahead after the
kids have gone to bed? Or wanted to know how another single parent would tackle
a particular issue you’re facing? Maybe you just want to rant about the way
single parents are portrayed in the media with someone else who gets it.
Whatever your concern, it’s good to know that there are many thousands
of single parents out there raising children on their own who you can turn to.
Gingerbread’s supportive and welcoming
online forums help single parents link up with each other, chat and share experiences.
The forums are a great place to let off some steam and spend some time chatting
to other parents in the same boat as you – without ever having to leave your
sofa!
Get together
Gingerbread groups have been going since the 1970s. They’re
run by single parents, for single parents and are a great way to find local support
and create a new social life for you and your children. Gingerbread groups are
for all single parent families, whether you’re a mum, dad, carer or even a
grandparent bringing up children on your own, and kids are always welcome!
Have your say
65 per cent of Gingerbread’s current members told us they
joined Gingerbread because they wanted to be part of an organisation that
stands up for single parent families. By becoming a member of Gingerbread you can help shape
our work, drive forward our campaigns and help us challenge stigma by
showing the true picture of single parent life in the UK.
Stay in the loop
Every month, Gingerbread members receive an e-newsletter
packed full of the latest advice and information, campaign updates, stories,
articles and family-friendly special offers. Sign up to start receiving the
newsletter
Join today!
Bringing up children on your own can be an incredibly
rewarding experience, but there can be times when it’s difficult, daunting and,
let’s face it, downright lonely. But when
you join Gingerbread, it means there’s always someone on your side. To be part
of Gingerbread, just head over to our website and sign up
for free.
