Appeal to raise funds for single parents affected by cost of living

One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS), which supports lone parents, has launched its #EatHeatLearnPlay appeal to provide support to single parents who are disproportionately affected by rising costs, pushing children further over the poverty line.

Money raised through the appeal will be used to provide single parents in need with food vouchers, help towards fuel costs and support to help children learn and experience play

An Ipsos survey of parents in Scotland found that single parents have experienced financial hardship in greater proportions than couples with children, with more than half of single parents (58 per cent) reporting that they had found it harder to pay their bills compared to just 44 per cent of couples with one or more children (44 per cent).

The survey of more than 1,000 parents was carried out between November and December last year.

Carolyn, a single parent from Edinburgh, whose four-year-old son has sensory processing disorder, said, ‘Part of the sensory processing disorder my son has, has been that he doesn’t feel hungry, or he doesn’t feel tired. So, we are mirroring behaviours so he can see that we’re both eating together and eating the same thing. And now he’s asking me, “Why am I not eating? Where’s my food?”. So, it’s tough because you don’t want to burden your child with the fact that actually it’s due to money. You know, it’s coming towards the end of the month and actually mummy can’t afford as much food.’

Samantha Morrison, manager of the charity’s Advice and Information Service, said, ‘Single parents have always had unique pressures when it comes to finances, but the recent increasing costs of living have only deepened the divide and pushed more families over the poverty line.

'The helpline regularly answers enquiries about money matters, but the number of families calling us worried, anxious and desperate for help has rocketed in the last few months. Families are struggling to afford even the basics and must forego formative experiences and “luxuries” such as days out, new clothes or access to internet and devices. Children in these families have a higher chance of missing out and falling behind their peers, through no fault of the family, leaving a number of short- and long-term effects on their wellbeing.’

Marion Davis of OPFS added, ‘No child should struggle because there is nothing for breakfast or no money to pay for a school uniform. However, this is the reality for too many children living with a single parent, who are amongst the hardest hit by the current cost of living crisis. 

‘It does not have to be this way. You can help us to turn things around for Scotland's children. With your help, we can ensure children have a safe, warm and healthy home, helping reduce child poverty, allowing them to reach their full potential.’

• To donate to the appeal click here