The media often portray motherhood as one long holiday. And for some it is. But of course, in England we have many mothers who are struggling, whether with mental health or financial issues, having been left alone (either bereaved or due to relationship breakdowns). And many mothers have the added stress of caring for a disabled or unwell child who means the world to them.
The good news is that there is lots of free help out there for struggling mothers. And on this page, you’ll learn where to find it. Of course, many local community groups also exist. A good starting place to find them is your local library, which likely has a noticeboard to let you know of what’s going on in your local area.
financial help for new mothers (and fathers)
The media likes to portray claiming benefits as wrong. But often it’s the most vulnerable people in society who don’t claim them. New parents qualify for financial benefits, just visit the government website to find out more.
Not only do you qualify for child benefit and maternity/paternity allowances, but there is also other help available like working tax credits, financial help for disabled children (including grants for anything you need to buy) and other help like free school meals and buses (Healthy Start Vouchers allow you to get free fresh food – alas the campaign to have the vouchers offer plant milk alongside dairy has not yet come to fruition, not good news for vegan children or those with lactose-intolerance – often people from ethnic minorities).
help for mums struggling with mental health issues
MumsAid is a charity that offers free help for mums struggling with mental health issues. It also helps young mums struggling to cope, and mums recovering from the trauma of a difficult birth.
The Lullaby Trust offers a free helpline for new parents who have lost a baby or young child. If you have been bereaved in any way (say lost a partner or relative), you can call Cruse (trained volunteers in bereavement counselling).
And if you are a ‘companion animal mum’, find free bereavement support at Blue Cross and/or Paws to Listen (cats).
free help for mums with post-natal depression
PANDAS offers free help and support to women suffering from post-natal depression, a serious condition that in some cases leads to suicide. Trained volunteers (many working within midwifery) offer a free helpline that is open most weekdays, plus there is a bookable call service.
find help for single parents (mums & dads)
Gingerbread is the leading charity for single parents (including dads). The site has a wealth of information covering subjects from benefits and bereavement to domestic abuse and legal help. And you can also use the free confidential helpline (or web chat) for anything else you need help with.
free help for maternity & pregnancy issues
Maternity Action is a charity dedicated to protecting and enhancing the rights of all pregnant women, new mothers and their families. It offers free advice on maternity pay, welfare benefits and leave. The site runs a number of campaigns, and also has extensive advice sheets to read.
free help for women in domestic abuse situations
Women’s Aid is the national charity to help any woman in a domestic abuse situation, and concerned for the safety of both herself and any children. It also offers an online Survivor’s Handbook and Flexible Funds (government money to help you transition to a new life where you are safe).
The site has a page on how to cover your tracks online if concerned. Also read our page on preventing domestic abuse for information on how to keep pets safe (or have them fostered out) while you sort your life out.
help for women whose children are in care
Pause offers free support to women who have had at least one child removed from their care. Obviously this is usually done for genuine reasons, but rather than judge, the people here aim to help you get your life back together. Either to reunite with children later on, or move on – knowing your offspring are in safe loving homes.
