In Northern Ireland there are nearly 92,000 lone parents with 150,000 children. Almost 25% of children in NI live in one-parent families.
- 46% become lone parents due to separation or divorce.
- 7% become lone parents due to bereavement.
- 3% of lone parents are teenagers.
- 80% of lone parents are aged 25-49 years.
- 60% of lone parents are in debt.
- 67% live in rented accommodation.
- 90% of lone parents wish to work outside of the home at some stage.
Pressures lone parents can commonly face are:
- Stress.
- Social isolation.
- Negative attitudes in society.
- Low personal expectations.
- Financial difficulties.
- Poverty and Debt.
- Economically disadvantaged by high fuel costs in NI.
- Continuing Education.
- Challenges with childcare provision – high cost and access.
- Poor health.
- Complexity of the benefits system.
