Recession Tips

This seems to be the hot topic on the blogosphere at the moment.

We've already been out there to trying to reach parents who are having a tough time through our regional offices, with letters and press coverage in the local media like this:

"Giving families recession help [Newcastle Evening Chronicle]

PARENTLINE Plus feels strongly that family life can be tough enough without the added financial pressures and strains that a drop in household income or unemployment can put on them.

Stress and conflict may increase in some families as a direct result of the squeeze on household budgets. Children may also get anxious about the gloomy economic news and worry about the future for their family. Stress-related family breakdown is expected to increase.

We urge mums and dads not to be put off asking for help because they fear they will be labelled as ‘bad parents’.

In a stressful situation, asking for help is a sign of parenting strength, and parents should be encouraged to access the support available, such as the free and confidential Parentline service we offer 24 hours a day on 0808 800 2222.

Or you can contact our local individual parenting support service in Gloucester which can be accessed by calling (01453) 768 160 and speaking to Jane Windle, our local services co-ordinator, to arrange an appointment.

We have also put together some useful tips on making the most of your money during the recession as we appreciate that the added strain that can be put on families at this time can impact on everyone at home. Visit www.parentlineplus.org.uk/recessiontips

MAUREEN PEARSON, North East Area Manager, Parentline Plus, Lambton House, 10 Lambton Road, Jesmond, Newcastle."

We've had this format letter go out far and wide at a local level but the more support out there for parents, the better things will be. With unemployment set to go over 2 million today, there are a lot of families already in really crisis, and many more who are worried about what is around the corner.

Calling all parents

Here at Parentline Plus we have been working with the Families Need Fathers organisation to find ways that we can improve the ways we reach out to all parents and carers of children.

Here's an article our Area Manager for Merseyside, Claire Andre and Emlyn Jones from Families Need Fathers in Merseyside have written jointly, expressing this commitment to improve our ways of working.

We are in a recession and one unfortunate effect is an increase in family break up. Stress, anxiety and financial difficulties can push relationships to breaking point.

Often mums and dads don't know who to turn to, or who to speak to, when relationships break down. Both parents will want the best for their children but with emotions running high and huge pressures on both partners, children can get caught in the crossfire. Following a joint local meeting, Parentline Plus and Families Need Fathers want to make all parents aware that support is there if they need it.

Parentline Plus operate a 24 hour a day, free and confidential Parentline on 0808 800 2222. We also have a website file://www.parentlineplus.org.uk////oblocked::file://www.parentlineplus.org.uk/ which can be accessed at any time if you prefer online support. Dads often don't seek support, even when they need it, because they are reluctant to speak to someone on the phone or only want to deal with someone who can understand what they are going through.

Throughout the year Families Need Fathers Wirral and Liverpool are available to offer help and support. Monthly meetings are held in the centre of Birkenhead, easily accessible from Liverpool, and details can be found on http://www.fnf-wirral.org.uk/////oblocked::http://www.fnf-wirral.org.uk/ or by phone 0151 651 1712. A national telephone helpline can be reached on 08707 607 496, which operates Monday–Friday from 6pm–10pm.

Relationship break ups can often be very painful, but it is vital that parents know that support is out there for them. Both mums and dads should remember that in difficult times, accessing real support is a sign of parenting strength.

Claire Andre, Area Manager, Parentline Plus
Emlyn Jones, Families Need Fathers, Merseyside