Of all the challenges solo parenting can bring into your life, one thing is for certain- being a single parent can also bring isolation.

When you’re parenting alone there’s a whole range of extra pressures and worries dual-parent families usually don’t experience.

Child support arrears, Family Court Orders, Centrelink single parenting benefits info and even Domestic Violence Orders seem a whole world away from normal two-parent family parenting problems. So when you feel like you need a chat, or just a listening ear you may find that your married or partnered-up friends have difficulty relating to your separated parenting problems – which leaves you feeling more isolated and alone than ever.

So where can single parents turn to for help?

The answer is that your single parent tribe is waiting for you online – you should join a single parent support group!

The following online single parenting groups are the biggest and best in Australia.  Well established and moderated, they accept Australian members only, and are the top single parent online support groups in Australia. Best of all – they are all completely free to join.

1. Australian Single Mum Support Group

The number one Australian single mums Facebook group by a country mile, this twenty-five-thousand plus member group is the official Facebook-recognised community leader. It also happens to be one of the most highly engaged groups on Facebook, with hundreds of thousands of engagements each month! Here you can connect, share, learn and vent with like-minded single mums who “get” you and your Aussie single mum life. All you need to join is to be an Australian resident, and a single mum!

Definition of a single mum / single parent

For the purposes of membership of our groups our definition of an Australian single parent and single mum (or sole parent/solo parent is as follows;

An individual who doesn’t have a physical relationship with their child’s other biological parent. It is acceptable for single parents to be re-partnered and still join our groups

Join the Australian Single Mum Support Group here

2. Australian Single Parent Support Group

The biggest online Aussie single mum and single dad group there is, with over ten thousand single parent members and many Australian single parent discussions each day – be it child support, family court, child custody or meal planning! It’s worthwhile noting that this is not a single parent romance group – it’s a single parent support community.  (So don’t join this one if you’re ONLY looking for a new romantic partner online – join our romance group instead, here!)

Join the Australian Single Parent Support Group here

3. Australian Separated, Single & Divorced Mums Facebook Page

With over 40,000 Australian single mother (and single father) followers, this is the original Aussie single mum Facebook Page. This page is where you’ll find the latest Australian Centrelink, child support and family law news, plus it’s the hub page of a range of smaller Aussie single parent Facebook interest groups, including Centrelink, Child Support and House Sharing Facebook groups.

Follow the Australian Separated, Single & Divorced Mums Facebook Page here

4. The anonymous Single Mother Forum website

This Australian single mother forum website has been established for over ten years, and holds a massive amount of Australian single parent-specific information. From taking child support debt to court, to sole custody, to cooking for six – this forum is where you can find a record of thousands of anonymous Australian single mum questions and answers. Only Aussie single mums may actually join this support group, but the information is accessible to all.

Visit the Australian Single Mother Forum website here

5. Australian Mums receiving Child Support chat group

The only Australian group of its kind, this Facebook group is specifically targeted to Aussie mums who are receiving (or in many cases, owed) child support from their ex-partner. Compare and learn from each other for the best child support outcome for your children, and indeed your single mum family overall.

Join the Australian Mums Receiving Child Support Facebook chat group here

6. Australian single mum share house notices

If you’ve ever considered sharing a home with a fellow single mum family to save money, cut costs, companionship or even share child minding, then

Join the Aussie single mums seeking or offering share houses Facebook group here

10 more Australian single parent Facebook groups you’re going to love!

Created due to demand, the following four new Aussie single parent groups are bound to take off fast…

1. Aussie single mum meetups for friendship & companionship

A new group for mums that want to make single mum friends – even if your lonely when you don’t have the kids when they are at your ex’s! Join here

2. Aussie single mothers paying it forward

A new group for single mums to list items for free for other mums to benefit. Join here

3. Australian single mums who budget and save

Are you a super-savvy single mum and ready to share your tips and hacks, or are you needing some super-tight budget ideas? This is the group for you! Join here

4. Australian single mums who caravan and camp

A new single mum caravanning and camping group for those who are casual campers, doing the lap or travelling Australia full time! Join here

ALSO these State camping sub-groups:

NSW Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/846918812829676/

Queensland Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/745314736102827/

Victoria Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/169093878080892/

South Australia Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1532910156905554/

Western Australia Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/156288102969719/

Tasmania Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/433104288005804/

Northern Territory Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/948832205652353/

5. Barefoot Investor Australian single mums

A new group especially for mums to network and learn about Barefoot Investor strategies and tips. Join here

6. Australian single mums who have been widowed

A new group for widowed single mums who may appreciate support of a more specialised kind – the loss of a partner. Join here

7. Australian single mums & dads ready to love again

A new single parent romance group for those who are ready to dip their toe back in the love pool! Join here

8. Australian single parents who holiday and travel

A new single parent travel group for anyone who loves to go away on trips!i  From planning your next weekend getaway to a domestic or international single parent holiday. Join here

9. Australian women thinking about leaving their partner

A group for Aussie women to get tips on how to leave their partner. Join here

10. Australian single mums who date or are repartnered

A group for single mums dating again, or new partner issues and chat. Join here

Australian single parent Facebook Pages by city/region

Local single parent Facebook Pages can be a great resource. Here is a list of Australian capital cities and region pages.

Join the Sydney single parent group here

Join the Melbourne single parent group here

Join the Brisbane single parent group here

Join the Adelaide single parent group here

Join the Perth single parent group here

Join the Canberra single parent group here

Join the Darwin single parent group here

Join the Tasmania single parent group here

Join the Wollongong single parent group here

Join the Newcastle single parent group here

Join the Goulburn single parent group here

Join the Mid-North Coast single parent group here

Join the Gold Coast single parent group here

Join the Mackay single parent group here

Join the Sunshine Coast single parent group here

Join the Ipswich single parent group here

Join the Toowoomba single parent group here

Further Australian single parent resources

Singlemum.com.au

The huge Australian singlemum.com.au website is the original and still number one Australian single parent website, with its own finance, legal and lifestyle single mum experts addressing current issues and topics. The mother-ship for all things single parent in Australia, the singlemum.com.au network extends to encompass and reach hundreds of thousands of Australian single mums and dads. Visit singlemum.com.au here

Letsgomum.com.au

An Australian single parent travel blog. This Aussie single mum shows how to go it alone and still manage to travel the world – or even just holiday down the coast – successfully as a single parent. Travel with kids as a solo parent never looked so fun! Visit the Australian family travel website Letsgomum.com.au here

You should never feel alone or isolated because of your divorce, separation or single parent by choice journey.

There are thousands of other Australian single parents out there going through the same problems as you! Why not  join forces and share information, experiences, problems – and maybe a laugh or two – and join a single parent support group? You’ll never feel alone on this single parenting journey again!

Singlemum.com.au Staff Writers

If you enjoyed reading this article, please give us a Facebook “Like” or comment below, to keep them coming!

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Mums – please note this is a mum’s advice, and not professionally verified. Therefore always get individual legal/financial advice from a professional

Hi ladies, after reading a members post I thought I’d give some info for those of you entering or in relationships after separation to protect your assets, homes & financial security of you & your children.

These things will ensure YOUR asset pool stays securely in your hands or the hands of your children should anything happen to you.

A Binding Financial Agreement (BFA)

1. If you own your own home, prior to cohabitation you can ask your new partner signs this form (drawn up by a lawyer) to ensure the home stays your property & stop them having claim to your home/assets & chattels.

You can stipulate a time frame that the relationship must endure before your partner can have any claim against you i.e. after 10-20yrs of THEIR mutual contribution to the relationship asset pool they may be entitled something e.g. half or a percentage.

A Will

1. You will need to name an Executor (the person you trust completely to handle the paperwork & communications with lawyers/courts, financial institutions & superannuation/insurance providers – they will not necessarily be your beneficiary’s)

2. You will name your beneficiary’s ie your children &/or family members you want to receive your assets, insurances & chattels.

3. How/when the assets will be distributed – for young children those assets may be put into trusts until they become of age. You may allow release of some money for the raising of young children if you nominate someone to look after them in the untimely event of your death – things like living cost allowance, school, sports, college etc. You may want to gift certain things to some – stipulate who gets what & when.

4. You partner does not need to know about your Will.

A Power of Attorney (POA)

1. This document is binding & stipulates who is to handle your financial affairs/medical treatments/end of life requests should you become incapacitated to make those decisions yourself. Someone you trust.

2. They will not be able to access your financial assets or chattels for their personal use, but they will be able to make sure your treatments/bills/ability needs equipment is provided & paid for out of your asset pool.

3. You may want your partner to know about your POA if they are to be responsible for taking care of you.

Binding Superannuation Nomination (BSN)

1. This form is required to be renewed every 3 years but it ensures that no matter what happens to you, your nominated beneficiaries will be the only ones who get your super.

2. This also stops the government from being able to claim any unclaimed superannuation & super insurances in your name.

3. Your partner does not need to know about you’re BSN

Mums – I am not a lawyer, I’m a single mum who spent two years working as a law clerk – just protect yourself, your assets & your children’s futures. There are people out there that may wish to take advantage of you and know how the system can work in their favour. Be smart.

An Australian single mum and member of the Australian Single Mum Support Facebook Group

Mums – please note this is a mum’s advice, and not professionally verified. Therefore, always get individual legal/financial advice from a professional

Comment on this story below

Do you have a single mum opinion, vent or story of your own? Post it in our group!

You can join the Australian Single Mum Support Facebook Group here.

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The best of the Australian single mum Facebook support group

Pregnant Single Mamas! I got you! 🥰

Recently I’ve seen a few posts from some single pregnant mamas and I just want to tell you, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! 💜 Although it may feel like that sometimes.

I’m 30 wks and have been single since before I found out I was pregnant so I just want to share some things that were said to me over the last few months that have helped me and hopefully will do the same for you.

You’re not alone!

So often you hear of couples breaking up after the child is born so I thought I was the only one and honestly I felt so stupid & alone but a social worker told me it’s actually more common than you think, but society tends to not talk about it as much (hence this post!). So please know you’re not alone Mama!

Raise your child your own way

There are so many benefits to not having the ‘sperm donor’ 😅 involved, like getting to raise him/her exactly how you want.

Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed

Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed, tell people – you’ll be surprised how many people (including strangers) rally around you. If anything it’s more people because with a partner involved many assume they’ll be pulling their weight – LOL!

Being alone is better than being with someone so is f*ing useless and adds nothing but stress/pain/suffering to your life.

You’ll always have your baby

No matter what happens, you’ll always have your baby. You’re going to be a mum (a damn good one at that!) and no one can take that away from you – it’s the most magical, precious thing on earth.

Bad mums don’t question if they’re a good mum!

If you’re worried if you’re going to be a good mum, remember bad moms don’t ever ask themselves if they’re doing a good job. You’re already doing great Mama!

Prepare as though your ex isn’t around

If dealing with an unreliable ex try to prepare as if they’re not going to be involved – that way you don’t need them for anything and if they do come to the party – bonus! But you’re not constantly disappointed when they don’t meet your expectations and protects your mental health.

You got this Mama!

I’m still learning, trying, and struggling but I hope this helps some of you feel less alone – I know, going to those baby classes/expos etc. by yourself sucks ass! But we got this!

An Australian single mum and member of the Australian Single Mum  Support Facebook Group 

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Do you have a single mum opinion, vent or story of your own? Post it in our group!

You can join the Australian Single Mum Support Facebook Group here.

The post Pregnant & single? You are not alone! appeared first on Singlemum.

This Facebook post had hundreds of mums reacting and commenting – can you relate too?

The best of the Australian single mum Facebook support group

Single mums have it tough. But not the type of tough you automatically think of.

Being both the mother and father to our children isn’t the hard part.

Having full responsibility for absolutely everything isn’t the hard part.

Having no time out isn’t the hard part.

Dealing with toxic abusive ex’s isn’t the hard part.

The hard part is accepting that most women don’t want to be friends with you because you’re a threat to their marriage/relationship.

Accepting that a lot of men avoid you because you are a strong and independent alpha female and they prefer helpless submissive women who need them not want them. Despite having no other choice than to be strong and independent.

Accepting that other people judge you for leaving your marriage/relationship even if it was toxic or abusive.

Accepting that other mums avoid you because they think you’re negative when you’re just exhausted and need someone to talk to.

Accepting that you will never be part of the in crowd because you don’t represent the perfect image that they strive to uphold.

Accepting that other single mums will judge you on how well you handle being a single mum and if you dare appear to be confident and happy you know that rivalry and jealousy are just around the corner.

Accepting that you don’t really fit in anywhere.

So next time you stumble across a single mum say hi, give her a hug, tell her she’s doing an awesome job and don’t make any assumptions or judgements. Because we have it hard enough as it is without all the hidden struggles.

An Australian single mum and member of the Australian Single Mum Support Facebook Group 

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You can join the Australian Single Mum Support Facebook Group here.

The post The hidden struggles of a single Mum appeared first on Singlemum.

• who is a home or distance educator of child/ren in their care.

The current rate stated is $880.20 as at August 2022.

Use this information in your call or visit to Centrelink- many Centrelink staff members are unaware it exists.

Share

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The good, the bad and the mostly ugly musings and opinions of a overly-opinionated Aussie single mum

Co parenting is all well and good – until you try to do it with a toxic ex-partner.

Sure, there are great dads out there to co parent with – but this isn’t about them, so pipe down! This is for those mums trying to cope with bio dads that aren’t so great in the shared-parenting department.

Let’s look at some common co-parenting dad styles Australian single mum’s are trying to cope with, shall we? Off we go…

The cheap single Dad

You may recognise him by…his inability to let go of a dollar for his kids

You may also recognise him by…

You send your kids to his place in good quality clothes, and they come back in 2-sizes-too-small Kmart specials and no shoes.

He wants you to take on the burden of the expense (and distance) of drop offs and pick ups for access, even when he was the one that decided to move further away from them.

He doesn’t buy or rent a bigger place to give the kid their own room or space in his home when they are staying with him. He may be sharing a house with other men, and even may have the kid sleeping on the couch.

He pays for or takes his new step kids on holidays whilst financially neglecting his own kids

He either spends nothing on the kids,  or spends a fortune being a Disney Dad but has a huge child support debt with you at the same time

He thinks that the tiny amount of Child Support you get from him should be payed back to him for anything he buys when HE has the kid with him.

Feels like…

You are left the bear the brunt of the financial cost of the kids, and there’s little you can do about it thanks to Australia’s pathetic child support policies with its plethora of dad-focused loopholes. Don’t let him bluff you into paying for his time with the kids too. Any expenses when the kids are with him are his responsibility. Clothes, food, entertainment, nappies.. all of it.
That said, don’t take any risks. If you feel any actions you intend to take with your ex might put you in danger, reach out to the domestic violence numbers at the end of this article for advice and support first.

The message you wish you could get through to him:

Hey Dad – stop being cheap – pay up for your own kid and give them a better quality of life!

The petty, controlling single Dad

You may recognise him by…his bloody-minded ability to dedicate his life to “making you pay for leaving him”

You may also recognise him by…

He takes your daughter for a big haircut against her will. Or buzz cuts your son’s baby locks because it’s “girly”. Or get their ears pierced without consulting with you first.

He “confiscates” your kid’s new mobile phone – or forces them to turn it off – because he thinks you’re spying on him or using his time if you call your kid to say goodnight.

He may not allow the kid to have any contact with you at all when they are in his custody, no matter how long they’re away from you, or how much they want to contact their mum.

He decides to keep the children for longer than he is supposed to, threatens not to bring them back to you at all, and/or continually returns them late.

He attempts to alienate the kids from you by bad-mouthing you to them.

He doesn’t allow the kid to attend their regular sport or activity, or refuses to take them to a friend’s birthday party when they are with him because it’s on “his time”

He doesn’t allow the kid to take anything between the two homes, like a Nintendo Switch or any other portable presents he may have given them.

He refuses to give the kid their regular medication or treatment because he says he doesn’t believe a medical diagnosis like ADHD or Autism that was assessed whilst in your care

Feels like…

Your hands are tied because you were controlled in the partnership and are probably still wary of how far he’ll go to try to continue to control you now you’re out of the relationship. Family Court (and so now the new Federal Circuit Court system) is unfortunately good at perpetuating ongoing control and abuse by forcing mums to co parenting with a controlling or violent ex. They aren’t seen as a threat to the kids for some reason.
Don’t take any risks. If you feel any actions you intend to take with your ex might put you in danger, reach out to the domestic violence numbers at the end of this article for advice and support first.

The message you wish you could get through to him:

Hey Dad – stop being mean – the only person you’re hurting here is your own kid.

The somehow hopelessly incompetent or lazy single Dad

You may recognise him by…his complete disinterest in parenting, despite originally fighting for custody of his child

You may also recognise him by…

He frequently goes missing in action, doesn’t turn up for access pick ups, or begs off due to work or illness – sometimes for weeks or months at a time.

He’s the one that sends the kids back to you starving because he can’t cook, or he doesn’t have any food in the fridge.

Or the kids have been fed junk food for every-single-meal they were away. Or cereal.

He may send toddlers back with a nappy rash, or even in the same nappy.

He forgets to give the kid their regular medication or treatment.

He doesn’t help to keep a child’s routine or coordinate with you when toilet training.

The kids may even come back in the same clothes, now filthy, days later.

Or sunburnt to a crisp. Or sick, or injured.

Feels like…

Child neglect, pure and simple. And it often feels like there’s very little you can do about it.  People may even unfairly call YOU out for being “petty” about it if you complain because “at least he’s seeing them”. Give that man a medal *rolls eyes*. You can try welfare checks through the police, or Child Protection if warranted in your opinion.
That said, don’t take any risks. If you feel any actions you intend to take with your ex might put you in danger, reach out to the domestic violence numbers at the end of this article for advice and support first.

The message you wish you could get through to him:

Hey Dad – stop leaving everything to Mum and look after your kid properly on your time!

Single Dads are super heroes, or just plain misunderstood, apparently…

You see it every day in the media. If a single Dad does something – anything – for his kid the world turns the cameras on him, whips out the tissues to wipe a tear and croons about what a legend he is…whilst the multitude of single mums groan under the massive weight of doing absolutely-everything-else whilst no one even batts an eyelid.

You may attempt to vent to a (usually married) girlfriend. Save it for another single mum unless you want to hear delusional standpoints “oh, men think differently” or, “men don’t operate the same as we women do”. They may even impart with such gems like telling you that the Dad needs to be taught how to care for a child. Sort-of like they are a child themselves, or mentally incapable of common sense. Like feeding the child healthy food and washing their clothes is somehow mentally challenging, or women’s work, and it’s your responsibility to pick up the slack. That you should pay for everything, provide everything and even send food with the kids to Dad’s house…. I call bullsh*t!

Don’t let him walk all over you (if it’s safe to do so)

This is co-parenting – both parents opted (or were compelled by the Family Court) in to it. That means both parents should take on the responsibility of caring for said child when in their respective care. Both parents are adults, and are expected to behave like it. 

Even if he is a new Dad, he’s just as capable of picking up a parenting book or watching a YouTube as you were before the birth of the child. 

If you aren’t in danger or threatened by him (see the Domestic Violence info below), stand up for yourself firmly where you can – because this co parenting gig is for the long haul.

This blog is a fellow single mum’s opinon ONLY and is not professional advice.  If in doubt, always seek professional advice before taking any actions. If you enjoyed reading this blog, please give it a Facebook “Like” or comment below, to keep them coming!

Do you recognise any of these co-parenting Dads? Or have you ever lost clothes – or anything else – when coparenting? Please join the conversation, and comment below!

Join the Australian single mum support Facebook group here

Family and Domestic Violence help

Call 000 if you are in danger. Call 1800RESPECT, a sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service for support – Phone: 1800 737 732 available 24 hours a day 7 days a week

The post Just send the clothes back with the kid! The joys of coparenting with a spiteful Ex appeared first on Singlemum.

The good, the bad and the mostly ugly musings and opinions of a overly-opinionated Aussie single mum

This week in a shopping mall, a big, tall man complete with mullet whammed into my shoulder as he passed by. He was accompanied by a woman. He didn’t even turn around to acknowledge the hit, and just kept on walking.

As I rubbed my shoulder and glanced around angrily, watching him disappear into the crowd, a thought crossed my mind – would he have done it if I had a male partner by my side? I’m guessing he would have at least apologised, or given us a wider berth.

Anyhow, I “sucked it up” as all good little women do, and resumed walking. My shoulder throbbed, my indignation rose, and I worried about the example I was setting my two children who were walking there with me.

Was I teaching them to press on and disregard the knocks in life – or was I teaching them that being a woman meant men could assault you in public and get away with it?

The stigma of the Australian single mum

It often feels like society does indeed walk all over single mums. At work. Out and about. At home – even from our own extended families, we are often treated like second class citizens. Yet close to half of Australian women eventually find themselves in the sights of separation and divorce, regardless of their smug don’t-take-my-man glances at single mums. Domestic violence, financial and social hardships may well be headed their way too.

But it’s not all bad. At a family fun activity earlier in the week, no less than three people offered to take photos of my single parent family, and I accepted them all. Not just because I wanted a “proper” family shot of all of us together, but also because I felt the empathy of those – both men and women – who offered it. A connection to those nuclear families and couples who are still so more easily accepted by Australian society at large.

Do I wish I had a partner to help counteract this slighting by society? Not a chance. If you watch Australian TV advertising enough, it’s so easy to think that a family has to have a mum and dad at it’s head. Not so! Have you ever heard of false advertising? Single mums and their kids ARE functioning, loving families – and there’s a lot of us!

For me, I’ve never felt happier or more settled in life, despite the all extra baggage that comes with single parenting – and I don’t mean the kids.

Are you an Aussie single mum? What are your thoughts on how Australian society views single mums? Please join the conversation, and comment them below!

Join the Australian single mum support Facebook group here

Family and Domestic Violence help

Call 000 if you are in danger. Call 1800RESPECT, a sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service for support – Phone: 1800 737 732 available 24 hours a day 7 days a week

If you enjoyed reading this blog, please give us a Facebook “Like” or comment below, to keep them coming!

The post Are single mums made to feel less in Australia? Musings of a salty Aussie single mum appeared first on Singlemum.

As single parents we know many factors surrounding illness and Covid in the family are often much more complicated and challenging than they are for a two-parent family.

Single mums are the head of the household, so all responsibilities usually fall squarely on their shoulders – but what happens if that mum is incapacitated by illness?

Struggling day to day when you or your child is ill is often a big worry at the forefront of a single mum’s mind. Especially when many mums are not being told – or are unaware – of certain systems already in place to support and help single parents.

One of our legendary single mum support group moderators has realised many mums simply don’t know that support is available for them! She’s put together this comprehensive state-by-state list of support services available to single mums in their time of need…

National websites & support

www.Health.gov.au

The government’s own health website, Health.gov.au Have many resources that you may not be aware of. You’ll find relevant information for each state outlining help – from food relief, to support and even Family Domestic Violence.

COVID@Home can also provide support and respite for single parents through the Covid Hotlines for each state. Whether your child has covid and you need a rest, or you have Covid and need additional support to care for your children. Support can include food relief, medicines and extra comfort and support for you and your Child/ren. At times, even respite can be arranged if you are unable to care for yourself or your child. Additional support is also provided if needed for Domestic Violence.

Family and Domestic Violence

Call 000 if you are in danger

1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service)

Phone: 1800 737 732 available 24 hours a day 7 days a week

Website: www.1800respect.org.au

State-by-state support for single mums

Victoria

Victorian Government COVID Support

Getting help | Coronavirus Victoria

24/7 Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 675 398

Relief payments available

Sick Pay Guarantee: The Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee provides up to 38 hours of sick and career’s pay to Victorian casual and contract workers in certain jobs. You can complete an application form at: https://www.vic.gov.au/sick-pay-guarantee

Mental health and wellbeing

If you’re having a difficult time or are feeling overwhelmed, you can see these resources or call 1300 375 330 to get support through your local Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub. In an emergency where there is immediate risk of harm to a person, call Triple Zero (000). For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Food relief, emergency accommodation and Support

Food and essential item relief packages

Family and Domestic Violence

Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)

Safe steps

Safe steps are 24/7 family and domestic support for Victorians.                           

If you or someone you know is experiencing or are afraid of family and domestic violence, you can contact Safe steps for support by phone, email or web chat.

Phone: 1800 015 188    

Email: safesteps@safesteps.org.au

Website:  www.safesteps.org.au

They are open every day of the year, including public holidays.

New South Wales

NSW Government COVID Support

National Coronavirus Helpline
1800 020 080 (24-hour help)

Food relief and financial support

Financial support for individuals and households | Service NSW

Food charities

OzHarvest: www.ozharvest.org/food/receive-food-indivduals/

Phone: 02 9516 38 77

Foodbank: www.foodbank.org.au/

Phone: 02 9756 3099

Email:  office@foodbanknsw.org.au/

Secondbite: https://www.secondbite.org/

Anglicare emergency assistance: www.anglicare.org.au/what-we-offer/food-and-financial-assistance/help-with-food/

St Vincent de Paul food services: www.vinnies.org.au/page/find_Help/NSW/Food/

Phone: 13 18 12

Salvation Army Emergency Relief Team: 1300 371 288

Mental health & additional support

NSW Health Public Unit – For all enquiries for additional support for mental health, extra care for help and non-urgent medical needs.

Phone: 1300 066 055

Family and Domestic Violence

Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)

NSW government Domestic Violence support

Website: https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/domestic-violence

Phone: 1800 656 463

Northern Territory

NT Government COVID Support

Food relief and emergency support

DSS Grants Service Directory

Food relief can be found through this link DSS Grants Service Directory of a number of helpful services.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

TeamTALK

You may want to access TeamTALK if:

Phone:  1800 832 600
Anytime between 8am and 8pm seven days a week

Family and Domestic Violence

Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)

Tasmania

Tasmanian Government COVID Support

You can call the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 and a staff member will help direct you to the services you need.

Emergency relief support | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Emergency relief services are delivered by community organisations, providing immediate financial and other support to people in financial crisis.

The type of assistance offered by each organisation varies, however may include one-off assistance such as:

COVID@home program | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Food relief

Food relief:

Emergency food relief | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

COVID-19 Update food support services | Devonport City Council

Family and Domestic Violence

Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)

Queensland

Queensland Government COVID Support

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Hotlines for available support (www.qld.gov.au)

Food relief and support

Emergency Relief Program | Community support | Queensland Government 

Website: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/emergency-relief-program

Family and Domestic Violence

Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)

DVConnect Womensline

Phone: 1800 811 811

South Australia

SA Government COVID Support

Care and support | SA.GOV.AU: COVID-19

Website: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/health-community/care-and-support

SA COVID-19 Testing Isolation Payment

A single payment of $300 available for eligible people who need to quarantine while awaiting a COVID-19 test result.

You (or someone you care for) must meet all the following criteria. You must have:

In addition, you must:

To check your eligibility and to apply, complete the Online application form.

If you need assistance, call 8226 2500.

Food relief

St Vincent de Paul

Phone: 1300 729 202

Website: vinnies.org.au

Family and Domestic Violence

Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)

Western Australia 

WA Government COVID Support

WA COVID Care at Home (healthywa.wa.gov.au)

Website: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/Managing-COVID19-at-home-and-in-the-community/WA-COVID-Care-at-Home

Food Relief

WAConnect

Website: https://waconnect.org.au/food/

Family and Domestic Violence

Call 000 if you are in danger (also see national help lines listed above)

Don’t be afraid to ask if any additional support to your covid hotline after registering. They are there to help you in your time of need.

Do you know of any other support organisations single mums can access? Please comment them below! We will keep adding to the list.

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The post Where can ill single mums get help? Got COVID? Note down these free support services appeared first on Singlemum.

When I look at this picture my heart hurts and tears fall out my eyes each time I look at them..

These 2 containers filled with Crayola have sat just like they are for nearly 2 years. Yep 2 years. The colours separated into their similar shades has been done by my daughter. I remember exactly the day she sat and took them out of the packets and it was one of the last days I had my babies in my home.

So here they have sat unused. Colouring in pencils that hold so much meaning for me I have had to put them in a cupboard away from every day sight as I burst into tears sobbing when ever I see them. Items which look so insignificant to those who wouldn’t know.

There are many things of similar memories that I have hidden away out of my every day sight. Hidden because they hold so much meaning if anything were to happen to them it would devastate me. Hidden because the mere glimpse of them for me brings to the forefront of my mind the faces of my babies and the loss I have endured and grief washes over me and I’m inconsolably on my knees crying for the children who have been taken from me.

For those parents living the unimaginable like me every day the triggers are everywhere. We all have items like this that are so heartbreakingly full of meaning that they are put away out of sight so we are able to function and get through the day. Things we put away in the beginning with the hope when they return to us they will be here for them just as they left them.

As time goes on and the reality that these things left behind are actually all we have left. The only evidence that remains of our children being with us and the painful memories they hold become our most treasured possessions. A symbol of all we have lost.

Belinda Dalton, Australian single mum and member of the Australian Single Mum Support Facebook group

Comment on this story below

You can join the Australian Single Mum Support Facebook Group here.

The post Trigger Warning – single mum child loss – These containers have sat like this for 2 years appeared first on Singlemum.

The best of the Australian single mum Facebook support group

Disclosure: Some links on this website are affiliate links from which we receive a small commission, however this makes no difference to the price you pay.

“Words of support and confessions to my fellow single mums…”

It’s ok not to like housework. I actually don’t remember when I last washed the bedsheets…That’s fine. Clearing the clutter gives a clean illusion anyway. Nobody will know.

It’s ok not to like cooking. I hate it but I have to. Surprisingly, tinned cream of condensed mushroom soup makes a wonderful gravy for EVERYTHING. Also onion soup powder cooked with cream. They never fail. Fish? Oh, you mean canned tuna. Processed food? You mean, convenient snacks. Pasta and rice are my best friends. I love Aldi.

I do try to make her the same food she eats at childcare. If I get too creative she won’t eat. And I have to eat the same boring thing as her and eat the tasty stuff behind her back.

Yes, my daughter has Weetbix for breakfast.

It’s ok to have screen time. Cocomelon is the only way I can get ready to go to work peacefully without toddler drama. Tablets are fine.

Omg, a bedtime routine is actually important. Double nappies at night help as well.

I get excited when I am able to sleep in but find myself awake at 0630 AM.

I get excited when I can actually go out at night but fall asleep before 9 PM.

Her favourite book is “Two Homes”. It’s about a kid with separated parents. I recommend it for those who have kids that also stay with their dads.

Dummies are fine. Formula is fine. Disposable nappies are fine.

Expensive gigantic nappy bags are overrated. Get a backpack.

I hate prams. I know you do too.

My daughter wears the same 5 outfits to childcare. All from Best & Less.

I also forget to brush her teeth. I always forget to brush mine. I shower her twice a week…I don’t think she has a shower when she stays with her dad…That’s fine.

I haven’t been to a hair salon in three and a half years. My make-up has downgraded from luxury to chemist warehouse. That’s ok.

I don’t think my pelvic floor will ever be the way it used to be anymore. My baby brain has never left.

Do not compare yourself with other mums. There’s one mom on youtube with 10 kids…all vegan and all wear white. She’s perfect and I hate her. Do not even try to look for her channel.

Child support assessments suck.

A lot of colleagues at my workplace are buying houses…I can’t relate. Most of them are married…I can’t relate either.

Being a single mum is a challenge

But I still believe I am immensely blessed and happy with my life. I wish everybody the best in their journeys. We are not here to judge each other, but to give support and make each other feel loved and appreciated.

An Australian single mum

Comment on this story below

You can join the Australian Single Mum Support Facebook Group here.

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