Am I the only lone parent that has no friends?

[Kerryanddaisy11]

Hi I'm Kerry. I recently split with my partner after 4years together and I have two children. My eldest is 6 and she is physically disabled and my youngest is 2. I have never had many friends even at school and I really don't understand why or how to make friends when I never go out because I have no one to go out with! I have read so many forums that say get a hobby or something but when you are nothing but mum how are you supposed to work out what you might like to do in your spare time? I'm not shy, I don't have anxiety issues I do feel depressed but that's because I am lonely! How do I get out of this rut? And anyone else in the same situation? X

Hey, I am not a parent so can't comment from that perspective but all my friends and peers have kids so I have the opposite issue that I don't have many friends who are available to do things on a weekend when I am not working. I suggest downloading the meet up App or joining via their website, I joint a group of local women and actually started my own group in January and now we have over 200 members! Through it I have made some good friends and had lots of days and nights out. You are definitely not alone, we all have our lonely moments and feel like we are missing out. Have a look at meet up and go along to a coffee morning or something, you have to put urself out there to meet people. Good luck x

Where are you? Could you use mumsnet Local to meet local mum's? Or another mum meetup thing? X

Thanks for answering guys...I am in Feltham Middlesex area, thanks for your advice I will try the local meetup groups and apps and hopefully find some friends X

Could you try going to some toddler groups when your eldest is at school? That's how I have met my most recent friends, it takes a few weeks to get to know people but they really helped me.

I don't have any friends either. Single parent to 4 never had any friends in school as I was bullied bad so it put me off going college aswell so no friends that way either and when I did work it was on my own so yep no friends!

I do go to toddler groups and have had a few chats with people there but it never goes anywhere and I don't want to seem like a weirdo by asking if people want to meet up...and letstryagainshallwe I was the same when I was working I worked alone in an office by myself it drove me insane...where are you from? X

I feel for you, OP. I moved to a new area some years back and remember feeling so isolated for several months.

My way of meeting people was to blitz a number of toddler clubs and groups (swimming, yoga, arty thing). It took time but eventually someone invited me for a coffee and from then on my diary got quite full.

Might also be worth seeking out a support group for parents of children with disabilities. I am part of one such group and whilst we are quite scattered, it's really good to have some advice and support when things are a bit tough, and we have met up at times.

One other thought, you might want to consider some voluntary work, eg visiting people in hospital or homes. Your toddler might be a real asset in that kind of environment and a 2 hour a week commitment (for example) might give your week some structure.

Sending you and sorry I am not nearer to you x