Lone parent families suffer stress

Members of one-parent families are living with the pressures of stress, depression and poverty on a daily basis, according to a University of Ulster researcher.

The report, investigating lone-parent families in the Western Health Board area of Northern Ireland, revealed that one third of children living in region come from one-parent families, many of which are living below the poverty line.

‘Bright Futures’, commissioned by lone-parent support group Gingerbread and written by Lynda Spence from the UU’s School of Policy Studies, revealed that 99% of one-parent families are suffering from stress, while 55% have suffered from depression.

Report author, Lynda Spence said: “The research highlights the health and social care needs of one-parent families and draws attention to the need for greater social support for these families, including better funding for locally based groups.

“It shows that for those lone parents who wish to seek employment, training or education, high quality, accessible and affordable childcare is crucial. In relation to benefits, government needs to continue to address transition to work issues.”

The research was carried out among 151 lone parents from across the five district council areas in the WHSSB area.

(MB/SP)