Moving on
Leisure
"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation."
Plato
This section will soon be full of your ideas for new or revisited leisure activities. Have you taken up an unusual hobby or joined an interesting group? Send us your stories so that we can share them with everyone here.
'Most people are as happy as they make their mind up to be.' Abraham LincolnIf you haven't already joined Gingerbread, then here are a few details as they are an excellent source of information for leisure activities and discounted holidays.Gingerbread is an organisation run by lone parents for lone parents. They offer lone parents practical and emotional support and speak out for them in the media and politics. Membership used to be £5 per year but is now free. But if you can afford to pay this, please do so voluntarily.
Their Advice Line offers confidential advice on anything from childcare to domestic violence, including benefits, education and housing. Or maybe you just want someone to talk to. Here you will find a sympathetic, listening ear. Their rule is "as long as it takes."
Phone: 0800 018 4318
9am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays.
If you prefer to receive advice by e-mail, then you can contact them at advice@gingerbread.org.uk
Gingerbread also offers support groups all over England and Wales. These are great places to go with your children and there are many planned outings and social activities for adults. You will also receive some discount vouchers. Many excellent publications are also available.
Contact the phone number above or visit the Gingerbread website.
The website is well-planned and interactive with something for everyone. There is even a virtual Gingerbread where you can chat to people when you don't feel up to joining a local group. This may give you the confidence to do so.
'Since joining Gingerbread a year ago, we have gone out and done things
that I would not have tried alone. My kids get out at weekends and enjoy
it!'
What have you got to lose? Ring up and join. There is no need to be alone.
One parent families
Another excellent organisation is One Parent Families. Here you will receive a booklet detailing various holidays and leisure activities. If you haven't joined, here are a few details:
You can now join FREE of charge as a lone parent. Ring up their helpline below and join straight away. This is the best advice for any lone parent. You can also ring up if you need to speak to someone.
This is an excellent organisation working for the best welfare for lone parents and their children.
Their free phone helpline also provides a vital service:
Lone Parent Helpline: 0800 018 5026 Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm
Free information for lone parents on: benefits, work, education, relationship breakdown and child maintenance, children and holidays. Information on other helpful organisations and groups throughout the UK is also available.
Find them at www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
Write to them at:
255 Kentish Town Road,
London
NW5 2LX
Tel: 0800 018 5026 or Fax: 020 7482 4851
"Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends."
John Lennon
The Over-50's
Divorce does not only occur in young families; it is becoming more common in the over-50 age group. This can bring a special set of problems and can be quite isolating but help is at hand at laterlife.com. This is a UK web site for those over 50 who want to enjoy life to the full. A wide variety of topics: health, travel, special events, retirement, dating, hobbies and much much more. Get out there and meet people, become who you wanted to be. Life is full of challenges and surprises but they won't come to us if we don't reach out and try new things.
If you have any other suggestions, please get in touch with us.
National Council for Divorced and Separated
This organisation aims to help people who have experienced divorce or
separation and wish to find a new social life. It offers friendship
and social events to help you achieve this. So if you are travelling
down the road to recovery and feel up to making new friendships, check
this group called NCDS at www.ncds.org.uk Please mention us when making
contact.
Need to exercise?
Your local sports centre is of course a good place to start and a safe way to meet people if you are on your own. If you have young children, they often supply creche facilities. Private clubs could be a good investment and one way to pamper yourself and feel better.
Pilates may be a good way to exercise if you have not done any exercise for some time. Read more about gentle form of exercise.
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese form of exercise and
meditation. Our own Barefoot Doctor is a master and teacher of this
art. Read about him and see details of any courses and his video in
his section in News and views.
Further ideas
Please refer to our Health section where you will find the Ramblers, gardening, theatre and concert topics.
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