Young mum’s mental health being impacted

A SINGLE mum from Maguiresbridge has said that a lack of affordable childcare options is having a negative impact on her mental health.

For 20-year-old Erin Bell, her boys – two-year-old Caleb and nine-month-old Cohan – are her world.

But even she admits that on some days it can get tough, especially when routine things like grocery shopping or doctor appointments can become challenging with kids in tow.

Erin said she is one of the countless local mothers who would benefit from an affordable, accessible childcare option.

It would allow her to take a much-needed ‘mental health day’, and even allow her to return to work part-time as a hairdresser. Unfortunately, due to a combination of high costs and a lack of availability, such options are currently out reach.

“In terms of childcare, there aren’t many affordable options out there,” she said. “I live in Maguiresbridge, which is just outside the Surestart area. On top of this, it seems to be the general opinion that if you don’t work, you don’t need childcare.

“This is all well and good, but looking after children is a full-time job in itself. Doctor and dental appointments are not easily handled when you have an infant or toddler. Grocery shopping is a lot faster and easier when there aren’t children crying from the trolley.

“Just because many single mothers don’t have jobs doesn’t mean we should be denied help with childcare. Normal jobs grant a mental health day. This should be the same for stay-at-home mums, as it comes with a lot of mental struggles.”

Erin said that while she has looked into childcare options outside of Maguiresbridge, options have proven to be “barely affordable”.