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Single mum

306 replies

PITH1 · 19/03/2023 21:41

I'm 30, a single mum of 2 DC (7 and 3), broke and moving 8 hours away to Scotland next week where we don't know a soul. I'm currently living in temporary accommodation and have no chance of being housed where I currently live. I added myself to open housing lists all over the UK and have been offered a gorgeous little maisonette flat in Scotland on the edge of a small town about 30min from Glasgow. Lots of green space and a small school. Have visited and really liked it. My children's father doesn't want anything to do with them and hasn't since my youngest was born so that isn't an issue. I don't have family support and I haven't been happy for a long time here and have been wanting a fresh start but I'm nervous and it's taken a lot of guts for me to do this. Does anyone have any stories/tips about moving far away on your own? Especially with young DC. Or can anyone tell me their experience of living in Scotland? Making friends there? Thanks for reading x

OP posts:
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Riverlee · 26/03/2023 18:41

We moved a couple of hours away and started afresh. Having kids helps as you meet mums at schools, clubs etc. There will be times when you feel displaced or uncertain, but you’ll settle down. Wishing you all the best.

Yolo12345 · 26/03/2023 18:09

Keep checking in OP, thinking of you xx

Yolo12345 · 26/03/2023 18:07

Oh and register yourself at your local GP as soon as you can so that you get assigned a Health Visitor and get referrals to support services if necessary.

Yes to a previous poster who mentioned libraries...not sure what you are used to back home but libraries here are usually hubs for families. Our small local library does free craft sessions on Friday afternoons for example, as well as book bugs, film screenings, story times etc, even gardening, well planting, it's a fab resource! Get yourselves library cards and enjoy!

Yolo12345 · 26/03/2023 17:58

Oh just read your other updates now! 😂😂😂 your neighbour....lol that is honestly so typical - going out of his way to help... When I moved to Edinburgh and was clueless some folk literally took my breath away by how they went above and beyond to welcome me. I'll never forget it!

Forgottenpeeves · 26/03/2023 17:57

Wishing you all the luck in the world. Incredibly brave and a real inspiration to your children.

Yolo12345 · 26/03/2023 17:45

Honestly, one day you will look back and think "moving close to Glasgow was the best decision I ever made"... Scottish folk are generally kind and warm, but Glaswegians take it to another level. Don't be afraid to be open and ask for help, tell people you are new etc...

It's part of the UK but lots of services and culture is different, so don't be surprised by that. Some things might be better, some worse, like everywhere it's not perfect, but they are trying.

Be open minded about the fact that roughly half the population are open to Scottish independence, it doesn't mean they don't like England, it usually means they don't like Westminster politics.

If anyone asks you "which team?", they are referring to football - Celtic/rangers...just say Partick thistle 🤣

Lots of help for young kids - free school lunches, free public transport, lots of support available.

The "language" can be very different...lots of new expressions and accents to learn - embrace it, enjoy it. You'll see a bit of Gaelic around on signs etc. just for you to be aware there are three state primaries in Glasgow offering immersion in Gaelic and one secondary... it is a thing.

You are moving at the perfect time - nights are getting lighter and your first summer will be something to remember. Get blackout curtains for the summer nights...store up on this to get you through the dark winters.

Welcome 😂

CliffsofMohair · 26/03/2023 12:19

This is such a lovely thread. What an amazing Mum you are

Leakingtoilet · 26/03/2023 12:19

What an amazing thread! Good luck OP, it's a brave move and I hope you'll all be very happy in your new home 😊

TwilightSkies · 26/03/2023 12:13

Aww good luck OP! You are off to a great start x

ggbbnn1 · 26/03/2023 12:13

I'm of course biased but Scottish people are so kind. Speak with your housing officer, there are ways to help out with carpets and basics. They won't be the best of quality but it'll get you through for the next year or two. Welcome 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

youvebeenjammed · 26/03/2023 12:10

You sound like an awesome Mum and you will be very warmly welcomed in Scotland! Scottish people and Weegies in particular are very warm and friendly people who will do anything for you, particularly Mums and kids.

All the best of luck for your new adventure! xx

bizzywiththefizzy · 26/03/2023 11:56

Oh how wonderful "Welcome to Scotland."

VickyEadieofThigh · 26/03/2023 11:54

Good luck and be happy in your new home!

swirlycurlywhirly · 26/03/2023 11:51

Amazing @PITH1 I would be proud of you if you were my mum. Very brave to move so far but going by these posts you'll be fine. All the best.

PITH1 · 26/03/2023 11:51

Thanks everyone! Neighbour came back and invited me down to the garage and has so kindly given me a TV! A side table and some camping chairs to sit on until I find a sofa. So so kind! I offered money but he said not to worry. He's going to make a post on a group for me also to see if anyone else has anything laying about. Feeling so grateful. I've just stuck some fairy lights all over the walls that I bought with me until I can afford lamps to try and make the place more cosy 😂 will be heading to the hotel a bit later on x

OP posts:
LadyBiker · 26/03/2023 11:21

Sounds like you have made your first friends! Hope you settle in well.

user1492757084 · 26/03/2023 11:08

You will love it!
Your children are of an age where they will be in school and kinder and will facilitate you having to meet other people.
Join in groups that interest you in the village.
Enjoy your social life and watch out for a part time job.
It is a fantastic choice.
My sister moved to the country and now, after 8 years, she has many friends and is almost too busy. She participated in anything that interested her - garden club, the fete etc and decided to be cheerful and consider seriously saying 'yes' if she was asked to contribute.

ColdHandsHotHead · 26/03/2023 11:00

Having children will be a great way of making friends. Have a look for what is going on near your new home in terms of local stuff organised by local people, a great way of getting involved in the community.

Rainbowqueeen · 26/03/2023 10:57

How lovely.

What a great start.

PITH1 · 26/03/2023 10:45

Hi everyone! We are here 🙌 arrived in Glasgow at the station this morning. The kids did really well on the coach (not planning on doing that again for a while 😂) and we grabbed something to eat at McDonald's and got a taxi to the flat with all our stuff, although we are staying in a Premier Inn tonight as our bedding/matresses don't arrive until tomorrow. I am hanging about at the flat for now as one of the neighbours was outside having a cigarette when we arrived and saw me struggling with all my bags/pushchair/kids/hamster 🤪 and said I looked like I could do with some help so helped me with all my stuff upstairs and we were chatting and I mentioned about the matress/hotel situation and he told me him and his wife have lots of furniture stuff they don't use anymore just hanging about in their garage so to leave that with him and he will be back soon, he said he's on this group where people are always giving stuff away so he can ask on there for me too. So grateful for any offer of help as we've really arrived with 0! I'll offer him some money of course. Still, life feels good. Just glad that journey is over 🙌 😌

OP posts:
sonicmum2002 · 26/03/2023 09:53

Welcome! I have been reading your post, and wish you all the best. Some great places in Glasgow for kids, such as the Science Centre and the Transport Museum. Hope you can find the time to keep updating us on how you're getting on - I'm sure you've done the right thing. I am in Edinburgh so can't offer you much local advice but Scotland is a beautiful place. Your kids would probably be super excited about a ferry trip to the islands of the west coat like Arran This is in easy reach!

Popetthetreehugger · 26/03/2023 09:14

Iv got the biggest smile on my face, just thinking about the life you will have , your kids are so lucky to have such a brave , resourceful and totally go getter mum . Every good luck to you all x ( including hamster 🐹)

LadyBiker · 26/03/2023 09:03

You are a great mum and are doing an amazing thing for you and your children. Wishing you luck for your future, sure you will all be happy. x

BraveGoldie · 26/03/2023 08:51

Oh OP, I'm excited for you and three cheers to you for making such a big move.

You know my instinct is you could all really flourish in this place, which sounds wonderful!

Im Scottish, though living in London. Scotland is beautiful! And the Scots - though they can be a bit gruff occasionally- are warm hearted and straight talking, with a care for community.

Im really wishing you all the best!! Hope you are now safely settled!

Congratulations on your new home!