News
Loneliness crisis among Welsh parents: highlighted by new survey
A NEW survey commissioned by Home-Start UK, a leading family support charity, has revealed the alarming scale of loneliness experienced by parents in Wales. According to the findings, nearly four out of five parents (77%) report feeling lonely or isolated, highlighting an urgent need for support to address the issue.
The survey, conducted by YouGov as part of a UK-wide study, sheds light on the isolation many parents and carers face during crucial stages of their children’s development. The data indicates that social isolation is having a profound impact on parents, with consequences for both their mental health and their children’s wellbeing.
Key findings
One of the survey’s most striking findings is the prevalence of isolation among parents. Almost one in five (18%) say they rarely or never have meaningful contact with another adult outside their household, underscoring the extent of their isolation. Young parents are particularly vulnerable, with 28% of those aged 18-24 admitting they always or often feel lonely, compared to just 16% of parents aged 45-54.
Employment also plays a key role in shaping experiences of loneliness. The survey found that unemployed parents are three times more likely to experience loneliness than those in work (48% vs. 16%). Even among those who are not formally employed, such as stay-at-home parents, the rate of loneliness remains worryingly high at 36%.
The findings challenge common assumptions that men are less affected by loneliness. Fathers are just as likely as mothers to say they lack meaningful adult interactions (17% vs. 19%) and report experiencing frequent feelings of loneliness (18% vs. 20%).
Financial strains are compounding the issue, with families on lower incomes being disproportionately affected. Nearly a quarter (24%) of those from lower-income households report feeling lonely, compared to 15% from higher-income groups. The rising cost of living, cited by 48% of respondents, was the leading factor contributing to feelings of isolation, followed by mental health concerns at 43%.
Home-Start Cymru calls for action
In response to the survey’s findings, Home-Start Cymru, which provides vital support to families across Wales, is calling for increased volunteer numbers and donations. The charity is also urging parents to seek help, as they strive to expand their services to meet the growing demand.
Jayne Drummond, CEO of Home-Start Cymru, highlighted the charity’s success in supporting 1,250 families and 2,000 children over the past year, an increase of 4%. She noted that while stress levels remained steady, Home-Start Cymru’s interventions ensured families were able to maintain their resilience, despite the rising pressures of everyday life.
“We’ve seen an 8% rise in children’s mental health struggles, yet thanks to our support, these families have not seen a decline in their ability to cope. This underscores our vital role in helping them through these difficult times,” Drummond said.
Peter Grigg, Chief Executive of Home-Start UK, echoed these sentiments. “This survey paints a painful picture of a loneliness crisis in parenthood. Despite being more digitally connected than ever, too many parents are missing meaningful connections with other adults,” he said. Grigg stressed the importance of emotional support for parents, stating, “Parents and carers are the most important factor in a child’s development, so it’s crucial we provide compassionate communities of support during the critical early years.”
Impact of isolation and financial pressures
The survey also delved into the impact of financial pressures on family life. As inflation drives up the cost of essentials, many parents are forced to cut back on social activities, exacerbating their isolation. This issue is particularly severe for families with younger children, where distance from extended family and friends is often cited as a contributing factor to feelings of loneliness.
In response, Home-Start Cymru has joined a new national campaign titled “We answer the cries you don’t hear.” The initiative aims to raise awareness of the challenges parents face, from maternal mental health to the impact of the cost of living. As part of the campaign, three short films have been released to highlight these issues and encourage communities to offer more support to struggling families.
One poignant example of the charity’s impact comes from Zainab, a mother who fled Afghanistan and settled in Swansea after escaping the Taliban. Isolated as a new mother, Zainab’s situation improved dramatically after being referred to Home-Start Cymru by a health visitor. With the help of a volunteer, she learned English, gained confidence, and became more integrated into her local community. Zainab was so inspired by the support she received that she later became a volunteer herself, helping other families in need.
Her story is just one example of how Home-Start Cymru is making a tangible difference in the lives of families across Wales, offering not just practical assistance but a lifeline of human connection in a time of crisis.
As the cost of living continues to rise and mental health challenges mount, the charity’s call for greater community involvement and government support has never been more urgent. With more volunteers and donations, Home-Start Cymru hopes to continue its vital work, ensuring no parent has to face the loneliness of parenthood alone.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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