Being a single parent is not just a challenge – it’s a daily struggle. Every day starts early and ends late, and in between I have to be a parent, a provider, a professional, a protector. I never get to truly relax, because all the responsibility rests on my shoulders. Sometimes I forget when I last thought about myself – everything I do is for my children.
I carry the weight of every choice, every bill, every future decision. There’s no one to share the small tasks or the big decisions with. Every success feels earned through double the effort, and every setback hits twice as hard. And yet, I keep going – because there’s simply no other option.

What I Face

The financial pressure is constant – not a day goes by without worrying about money. Even working full-time, my income often doesn’t cover the essentials. Buying shoes, schoolbooks, or medicine often means sacrificing something else. My children understand more than they show, but I don’t want them to carry the weight of my anxiety.
Unexpected expenses are terrifying – a broken appliance or a school trip can throw off our whole month. I often feel guilty, even when I know I’m doing my best. Managing everything alone sometimes feels like running a marathon on empty. And while I’m proud of my resilience, it doesn’t make it any easier.

Balancing work with childcare is nearly impossible. If I have to stay home with a sick child, I risk losing pay. Even when I’m exhausted, I can’t afford to slow down. The pressure never stops, and the exhaustion just piles up.
There’s no safety net when I need a break. I miss out on sleep, on rest, and on the little joys others take for granted. Sometimes I feel like I’m constantly catching up but never ahead. It’s a cycle that wears down even the strongest of us.

Sometimes, I just want someone to ask, “How are you?” and truly care about the answer. This loneliness isn’t always visible, but it’s part of my everyday life. And when I go out with my children, my smile often hides pain and helplessness that I simply cannot afford to show.
I long for adult conversation, someone to share a laugh or just vent with. The emotional isolation is just as draining as the financial. Even at the playground, surrounded by people, I sometimes feel invisible. And that invisibility can be one of the hardest burdens to carry.

What I Need

I need security – not just financial, but emotional too. I need to know that if something goes wrong, I won’t be left alone to handle it. Support isn’t just about money – it’s about empathy, dignity and respect for my effort.
Even a bit of reassurance, a “you’re doing great,” can change my whole day. I don’t need grand gestures – just consistent, meaningful support. I need systems that don’t treat me like an exception, but that work with my reality. I need to feel seen.

I need opportunities to grow, but they’re hard to find. Courses are expensive, and time is limited. I want to learn, to retrain, to become more skilled – but who will care for my children while I do?
Most programmes don’t consider my schedule or situation. Evening classes, childcare options, flexible deadlines – these small changes would open big doors. I want to contribute more, not only to provide, but to show my children what’s possible. Growth shouldn’t be a privilege – it should be accessible.

I also miss having a community. Others like me, people to talk to, to share stories and strength. Only those who’ve lived this life can truly understand what it’s like to carry the whole world on your own.
I want connection without judgment, solidarity without pity. A place to say “I’m tired” and be met with “Me too – we’ve got this.” Support groups, parent meetups, even online chats can be a lifeline. No one should have to face this journey alone.

How You Can Help Me

Help doesn’t always mean large amounts of money. Sometimes a child’s backpack, a bag of groceries or even a kind word makes a world of difference. They show me that I’m not invisible – that someone sees what I go through.
Those small gestures restore my faith in community. They remind me that compassion still exists, even in tough times. They make me feel like I matter. And for someone who’s always giving, receiving can be deeply healing.

Organisations like Help One don’t just distribute supplies – they build trust. When I received their support, I felt not only cared for, but truly understood. It was a moment when I started to believe in myself again.
They don’t just help me survive – they help me rebuild. They ask, not assume, what I need. They empower me to advocate for myself and my family. And that empowerment is priceless.

Thanks to them, my children received presents during the holidays – something I couldn’t otherwise afford. They helped me apply for a flexible job and encouraged me to join an online course. I also joined a support group of other single parents – a place with no judgement, only understanding.
These changes may seem small from the outside, but inside our home, they are massive. They bring joy, dignity and opportunity. My children feel included, not left out. And I feel stronger, more hopeful, every time someone shows they care.

Why It Matters

There are many of us single parents, but we often feel completely alone. Sometimes it feels like the state has forgotten us, and society sees us as an inconvenience. But our stories matter – because behind each one is a child who deserves a fair chance.
We are not statistics – we are families. Families who love deeply, try endlessly, and hope fiercely. When we are supported, society benefits as a whole. Investing in us is investing in future generations.

When someone reaches out, it changes everything. It gives hope. It reminds us that we’re not alone in this fight – and gives us the motivation to keep going.
It turns despair into possibility. It builds resilience not just in us, but in our children. It creates a ripple effect that goes far beyond the present. One act of kindness can echo for years.

Help One doesn’t just give us items – they give us strength. They show us that compassion is still possible in a world that often looks away. Thanks to them, my family has not only received support, but also found hope.
They treat us as equals, not cases. They believe in our potential, not just our needs. They meet us with warmth, not pity. And that changes everything.

I Am a Single Parent

I am a single parent. I’m not complaining – I’m sharing. Because I believe that when people hear our stories, empathy is awakened. Donations, support, even small gestures – they mean more than you could imagine.
They remind us that we’re not forgotten. They help restore our dignity, piece by piece. They allow us to parent with more peace, more presence. They give us space to breathe.

Change begins when we stop ignoring someone else’s hardship. When instead of judging, we choose to help. When we give with the belief that every family deserves a chance – regardless of their situation.
We are not broken. We are building something better, with what we have. And with your help, we can go further than we ever imagined. Let’s walk this path together.

To those who do that, I say thank you. Thank you on behalf of myself, my child, and everyone out there fighting, every single day.
You may never fully know what your kindness meant to us – but we will never forget it. It made a difference. It still does. And it always will.