Gingerbread Woman

Gingerbread is a national organisation, inaugurated in 1970 to provide specialist advice, information and support on single parent issues, to a network of local groups.

"I used to be a member of a Gingerbread group in Lewisham, and it was great because we used to organise parties for the children, take them swimming, and it was a great way to make new friends," explained Emma, who moved to Littlehampton with her son, Callum, just over a year ago.

Emma, who teaches at Westergate School, wanted to continue attending a Gingerbread group with two-and-a-half-year-old Callum, but found the nearest one was in Worthing, which was just too far away.

So, she decided the time was ripe to set up a group in Littlehampton.

A few phone calls and some paperwork later, the new group had its first meeting just over two weeks ago in Wick.

A few people came along, but Emma hopes lots more single parents will join in.

Although the meetings are not designed to provide counselling, they do make a forum for parents to swap advice and support each other.

"Someone might have questions they want to ask, and another member may have been through similar problems and would be able to help answer those questions, so it's good from that point of view," Emma added.

Meetings are held every fortnight at the Family Centre, West Way, Wick, and they are open to all single parents and their children. The next meeting takes place on Sunday, December 15, from 10am to noon.

Call Gingerbread on 0800 018 4318 for more information.