SHARON Rayment is used to being on the receiving end of dirty looks, she gets them whenever she tells people she’s a single mum.
“You get that look like, ‘Why, what’s wrong with you’?,” she said.
“It’s like single parents aren’t normal, but we’re just normal people doing it tough.”
That’s why Ms Rayment is relieved that there’s now a safe haven for single mums and dads at a newly formed Melton branch of Parents Without Partners.
The group aims to provide a chance for single parents to socialise both with and without their children.
“People cope with it differently, a lot become reclusive and they don’t know how to socialise or speak to adults, they’re so used to being on their own,” Ms Rayment said.
“Sometimes the break-up has been through death or violence so they don’t have the confidence any more.”
And Ms Rayment knows how they feel; she’s been a victim of every type of abuse.
“This has helped me to break out of my shell and deal with different personalities,” she said.
The group meets on Wednesday nights and also organises regular activities and outings.
“I think it’s great there’s somewhere to take children, I have a child with autism but a lot of support groups are only for adults,” Ms Rayment said.
At the moment the group does not have a regular meeting place, but is trying to find one.
To raise money the group is holding a barbecue at Bunnings Warehouse Melton on December 24.
They are also holding a raffle with prizes, including a guitar and Fernwood gym membership.
To inquire about the group or to buy a raffle ticket, call the group’s membership co-ordinator on 9743 4809.
Source: whereilive
0 comments:
Post a Comment