This episode is for the parents doing it without a village.

Practical Support Mentioned in This Episode

Free School Meals & Pupil Premium

It’s not just about lunch. Schools often receive additional funding that can support:

• • Uniform costs
  • School trips
  • Breakfast & after school clubs
  • Holiday food vouchers
  • Supermarket vouchers during school holidays
  • HAF (Holiday Activities and Food provision)

Speak to your child’s school directly or go here to check if you are eligible here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals

Your Council’s “Local Offer”

Every UK council has a Local Offer page listing:

• • Clubs & groups for children (including SEND support)
  • Subsidised activities
  • Parent support services
  • Family hubs
  • Youth groups

Search: “[Your council’s name] Local Offer”

Social Prescribing

You may be referred (via GP or support worker) to:

• • Gym memberships
  • Exercise classes
  • Walking groups
  • Community activities

Often used for mild depression, isolation, diabetes, high blood pressure and more.

Peanut App/Facebook Parent Groups/Mumsnet?

An app connecting local parents for friendship and support.

Safety first!!

• Meet in public
• Share your location
• Don’t give out your home address initially

Organisations for single parents

https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/

https://www.familylives.org.uk/

Recime App

About £35 a year, but so worthwhile. NOT an Ad.

Search it in Google Play or Apple Store. I can only share a link that benefits me so…

Shall we build our own village?

I’m considering starting a closed Off Script Parent community Facebook group.

Safe, supportive, not an echo chamber of doom, but something real. Would you join?

If so…do you wanna be an admin? (Come on, let’s go and play…. Frozen?)

I’ll run a poll over on Instagram after this episode drops.

Go vote and DM me your thoughts.

If this episode resonated with you, please:

• • Follow / Subscribe
  • Leave a review
  • Share it with a parent who might benefit from my 2 pence.

Follow me on socials if you so wish:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ej_ismotherdearest

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ej_is_mother_dearest/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ej_is_mother_dearest

You’re not alone here.

Much Love,

Mother Dearest X