Nationally one in four children live in a one parent family. There are over 1,700 Lone parents in the Maldon District. There are over 500 lone parent families in Maldon and over 200 in Heybridge.

As lone parents we often face:

• Financial stress
• Loneliness
• Depression
• Lack of support
• Low self esteem
• Work pressures
• Effects of Domestic Violence
• Negative Attitudes
• Lack of Confidence
• Dysfunctional family life
• Weight of Responsibility

H.E.L.P is a group lead by lone parents for lone parents and their children, visiting or resident. Supported by Christian Growth Centre in Maldon, we offer social interaction, fun, hope, encouragement, advice and guidance(if needed),workshops, courses and training. This is all through regular club nights, events, meetings, outings and holidays.

• The group aims to combat loneliness by giving the opportunity to parents and their children
  to meet others in similar situations.

• Help build confidence, self esteem and self worth in lone parents and their children.

• Help lone parents and their children support each other through the group.

• Help lone parents and their children access information that is relevant to them through leaflets,
  flyers, phone numbers and professional help.

• Help promote ‘family’ importance by including children as much as possible.

• Arrange and offer training/course opportunities for lone parents.

• Offer spiritual support, prayer and guidance when interest shown.

• Help family finances by offering 2nd hand items that have been donated.

• Help lone parents when sick, moving or unable to cook, by offering meals.

• Help lone parents to enjoy time out by offering to look after children.