Bihar BSEB Sakshamta Pariksha-III Recruitment 2025 Author: Sarkari Exam Team Tag: Bihar BSEB Job Short Information : Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has released the notification for the BSEB Online Examination Application for Competency Test for Local Bodies Teacher, (CTT) 2025 on the official website of the BSEB. Now, Candidates can apply for the Bihar ... Read more
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IT’S 11am on a rainy Thursday and one busy playground is lined with buggies where pre-school aged children are playing.
Just beyond the swings a group of parents have gathered, chatting amongst themselves whilst keeping a watchful eye as their sons and daughters dash between the climbing frame and slide.
But one thing stands out here – there’s no men in this playground just off Lewisham high street, only women.
This pocket of South East London is home to some of the most densely populated areas of single parent families in the country – as much as 71% in some neighbourhoods, according to latest Census.
There are claims by some that this area has become a “dumping ground” for women raising children alone.
The London borough has a population just shy of 300,000, and many locals see it as the ‘single mum capital of the UK’.
The figures speak for themselves.
In the Lewisham North constituency, 47% of families with children are headed up by a lone-parent, as are 44% in neighbouring Lewisham East, an FOI request found.
The closest soft play centre lies four miles away, so even in freezing, damp January weather, Lewisham’s outdoor parks are full.
The playground is free, something which is welcomed by the women here as many of them are struggling to make ends meet.
Local baby banks, which supply struggling mothers with essentials like clothes, formula and toiletries, are inundated with requests.
The living conditions for these women who are raising their children independently can be bleak.
Single mum Phoebe Smith, 21, spent all of last year in mould-riddled temporary accommodation in Lewisham.
The Contract Support Administrator was born and raised in nearby Southwark alongside her two younger siblings, and her parents split when she was 12-years-old.
She welcomed her daughter in August 2023, but wasn’t with the dad.
Phoebe was living in her mum’s flat alongside her siblings when Isbaella was a newborn. But due to severe overcrowding, she had to leave.
She was allocated temporary accommodation in Lewisham in January 2024 – an area of London she wasn’t familiar with – by Southwark council due to lack of availability in the area.
“I know two other single mums from my area who were just fobbed off in Lewisham,” Phoebe says. “It’s like they just drop us here in hope we’ll become somebody else’s problem.”
She has also heard of other London councils doing the same, and believes Lewisham is a hot spot for “dumping single mums and giving them no support”.
Meanwhile, supermarkets up and down Lewisham high street are sold out of nappies, and some aisles are so packed full with buggies whilst mums shop that it’s hard to pass through.
I know two other single mums from my area who were just fobbed off in Lewisham. It’s like they just drop us here in hope we’ll become somebody else’s problem
Phoebe Smith
Phoebe’s third-floor bedsit didn’t have a secure front door and was riddled with mould in the hallway, where she had to leave Isabella’s pram every night as she couldn’t carry it up the stairs alone.
“There were many nights I’d just sit in the room and cry my eyes out,” she says. “I felt hopeless and didn’t know how it was going to get better.”
Phoebe had to return to work from maternity leave early after finding her Universal Credit benefits didn’t stretch far enough to keep her afloat in a brand new area.
Due to the prevalence of working single mums, there is a gender pay gap that swings in women’s favour, according to the Lewisham Council Annual Employment Profile for 2023.
Single parent charity Gingerbread is fighting to create a society where all single parents and their children thrive. These are the organisation's latest figures on single parenthood...
Women are paid more than their male counterparts throughout the borough. For every £1 earned by men, women receive 11 pence more.
But the numbers jar with what’s happening at ground level.
Despite the important role women play in Lewisham’s workforce, figures show that a startling amount of single mums in the borough are living in poverty, with 33% of children living below the poverty line, according to the 2021 Consensus.
After a year of what she describes as “torture”, Phoebe was allocated new temporary accommodation closer to her family and friends in Southwark in January this year.
This vicious cycle of ‘in-work poverty’ is something fellow single mum Shekera Williams knows all too well, having been raised by a single mum and then becoming one herself.
The 25-year-old, who is Lewisham born-and-bred, is raising her twin daughters Nyla and Milan, seven, in a hostel after having to leave her 61-year-old deaf mum’s overcrowded flat.
She co-parents with her daughters’ dad but has to work two jobs – one in a bar and another as a learning support assistant for young people with learning difficulties – to make ends meet.
“I fell pregnant in my last year of college but was never in a relationship with my daughters’ dad,” Shekera says. “My experience of being a single mum in Lewisham is having no other choice but to make do.”
My experience of being a single mum in Lewisham is having no other choice but to make do
Shekera Williams
She was moved into the hostel towards the end of 2023 but feels grateful for the move, as she says it has given her a “sisterhood” with the fellow single mums who live beside her.
The hostel, which is a short bus ride from Lewisham centre, is home to around 18 other single mums and their children, a number of which Shekera says have been housed there by neighbouring councils.
“Living with other single mums has made my life easier,” Shekera says. “I’m someone who’s been through a lot and I connect with people who have gone through the same struggle.
“All of the mums in my hostel have an amazing story – some are young, some are older, some are even from a different country.”
Shekera continues: “We’re a sisterhood. We cry together, we laugh together and we even tell each other off.
“It’s not easy being a single mum but us being here together is keeping us all going.
“All of our children love each other so much, so it’s hard to even close the door sometimes.”
When Shekera needs milk or sugar, she knows one of her neighbours will lend some out without hesitation.
We’re not scared to go it alone because we have each other to lean on
Shekera Williams
She thinks sisterhood is why there are so many single mums in Lewisham.
“We’re not scared to go it alone because we have each other to lean on,” Shekera says.
This sense of community is also at the heart of baby banks operating in the area, such as MammaKind, which offers valuable support to struggling families.
It was co-founded by PR whizz Kirsty Lowe and business support expert Kelly Fort in 2019, and provides essentials from nappies to prams for those with children aged five and under.
The majority of the families it supports are headed by a single mother, according to the charity.
Figures for 2023 reveal that 64% of the families who accessed MammaKind’s services had single parents at the helm, though Kirsty anticipates this number to be higher in 2024.
The average MammaKind starter package, which is offered to single mums free of charge, would cost £1,700 in total if bought brand new.
It includes prams, clothes, vests, nappies and some hygiene products for mum.
How would someone claiming benefits, or with no recourse to public funds, be able to afford that? It’s just completely unattainable for so many mum
Kirsty Lowe
Kirsty says this is out of reach for mums in the Lewisham area.
“How would someone claiming benefits, or with no recourse to public funds, be able to afford that? It’s just completely unattainable for so many mums,” says Kirsty.
Kelly adds: “Dignity is at the heart of everything we do. We’d never give a mum something we wouldn’t be happy with our own children having.”
The volunteers at MammaKind recall helping a young, single mum who was living in Lewisham high street’s Travelodge for over a year with her disabled son.
Despite his complex needs, the mum was allegedly moved to a different room in the hotel every two weeks.
It’s a sad situation that MammaKind faces.
Most of the vulnerable mums they help are referred to them by midwives and family services.
However, the charity is currently piloting a face-to-face programme for single mums to drop in without a referral and pick up what they need, when they need it.
So many single parents are forced to make impossible decisions every day, just so they can afford basic living costs
Sarah Lambert
Kirsty and Kelly urged fellow mums to donate baby clothes, toys and gadgets they no longer need to their local baby bank.
You can find your nearest centre through the interactive Baby Bank Map.
There are more than three million single-parent families in the UK, and 89% are headed up by a single mum, according to research from Gingerbread, a charity which supports single parent families.
Nationwide, 44% of children in these families are living in poverty, according to Gingerbread’s figures.
The charity is now calling for the government to make ‘serious’ improvements to the support given to lone parents.
Sarah Lambert, Head of Policy, says: “Our research shows that too many separated parents are going without food and heating and still being pushed into debt because a single household income simply doesn’t stretch far enough.
“We have been told time and again that this government is having to make difficult decisions to protect our economy.
“This will be all too familiar to so many single parents who are forced to make impossible decisions every day, just so they can afford basic living costs.
“If this government is genuinely committed to tackling child poverty, then we need to see the Child Maintenance Service reformed so that it works for the parents who use it and the children it is designed to support.”
Lewisham council declined to comment.
IF you were watching Dragons Den this week – you may have noticed a pitch not normally associated with corporate boardroom shenanigans.
Clever Henry Bartlam and co-founder Alex Hollingsworth managed to secure a whopping £75k investment from entrepreneur Sara Davies for new company Dig Club – one of only a few horticultural endeavours to win big on the BBC series.
The Dad-of-four told Sun Gardening: “Dig was a lockdown idea and was all about making gardening easier and more accessible for everyone.
“From my experience, gardening is great, it’s really rewarding, but it’s tricky. You buy plants, you put them in the ground, you hope for the best.
“But it’s hard to get that finished garden design look without spending an enormous amount of money on a garden designer.
“So I started Dig as a way to kind of get that garden design look at garden centre prices.
“Much like recipe kits, where you can sort of create delicious meals but have the hard work done for you in terms of recipe planning – that’s essentially what Dig does for gardening.
“You choose from our themes, you tell us whether you have flower or raised beds, sun or shade, and then we deliver what we call instant flower beds that are pre-designed.
“Everything’s colour coded, it’s paint by numbers – and you get lovely established plants, so you get that kind of instant impact almost from day one.
“It’s really about making gardening easy, but the great thing is that you still get to plant it all yourself.
“And that’s when the kind of love of gardening really comes from – when something grows and flourishes.”
Sara said: “When Alex and Henry began their pitch, I immediately saw how Dig’s offering would resonate with a lifestyle and DIY-focused consumer base who love the idea of gardening but don’t know where to start.
“They are passionate about sharing their joy and knowledge for gardening, and I believe there’s a whole generation of consumers out there eager to enjoy the benefits of Dig’s Instant Beds and other products.
“I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and dig in with the team to make gardening easy and accessible for everyone.”
News, Top Tips and Competition to win £200 worth of Air-Pots
NEWS! Tuesday saw the annual Garden Press Event, where incredible innovators and entrepreneurs presented what’s new in the gardening world this year. Here’s my top five one’s to watch….
NEWS! TO celebrate Flymo turning 60, it wants to find the oldest working Flymo. Darren Feasey, Flymo Product Director, said: “This competition is a wonderful way to celebrate our heritage, honour our loyal customers, and showcase the Flymos that have been part of family gardens for so many years.”
To enter the chance to win a birthday bag worth up to £100, participants must share the details and photos of their oldest working Flymo via direct message or by tagging @flymo_lawnmowers on Instagram or @FlymoOfficial on Facebook. Alternatively, gardeners can email flymo@democracypr.com
NEWS! THE Eden Project in Cornwall has added to its collection of plants with five new cultivars of Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos) – believed to be the first of their kind to be on public display in the UK.
WIN! Air-Pot are offering one lucky reader a bumper prize – including a value pack, containing more than ten pots, and a 300l compost pot with lid – worth nearly £200. To enter visit www.thesun.co.uk/airpot or write to Sun Air Pot Competition, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone. UK residents 18+ only. Ends 23.59GMT 08.3.25 T&Cs apply.
SAVE! This £44.99 Capability Digging spade from Kent and Stowe will take on the toughest of tasks. Or Wilko.com has a heavy duty version for £12.99
JOB OF THE WEEK Cut back over growing ivy before birds choose it as a nesting spot. But don’t compost it – take it to council waste.
TOP TIP Cucumbers hate being transplanted – so plant indoors now in toilet rolls – then you can plant the whole roll in the soil instead of trying to get them out the pot.
FOLLOW ME! @biros_and_bloom
DEAR DEIDRE: THOUGH my girlfriend and I have a good sex life, I’m obsessed with taking things further by having a threesome with her best friend.
What my girlfriend doesn’t know is that her friend works part-time at a lap dancing club — and I’m one of her regulars.
I’m 28 and my girlfriend is 25. Her friend is 24.
I love my girlfriend and can see a future together.
But I am starting to get tired of the same positions and the same routines in bed.
I also have a very high sex drive which, if I’m honest, none of my partners has ever been able to completely satisfy.
The idea of a threesome has always appealed. I fantasise about it. A few weeks ago I went on a stag do, which ended up at a local lap dancing club.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that one of the dancers working there was my girlfriend’s friend from school.
At first, she was embarrassed, but she soon relaxed and agreed to give me a private dance.
She said my girlfriend didn’t know she lap danced for extra cash and was worried how she’d react.
She wanted to keep it from her social group so I said I’d keep her secret.
I’ve since been back a couple of times and mentioned my threesome idea to her.
She’s up for it in principle, but doesn’t want to risk spoiling her friendship.
However, she did mention that when they were teenagers, they had a sexual experience with each other, which my girlfriend has never mentioned.
So now I think, if they’ve had sex before they are more likely to do it again with me.
Should I ask my girlfriend or is that a terrible idea?
READ MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE
DEIDRE SAYS: Think very carefully before you say anything. There’s so much that could go wrong here.
It’s likely your girlfriend won’t be happy that you’ve been paying her best friend for secret lap dances, not to mention that you’ve already asked her to join you in bed.
You’re letting your fantasy get out of control. If you’re not careful, you could wreck both your relationship and your girlfriend’s friendship.
If you really want group sex with your girlfriend, perhaps bring it up in the abstract one day to gauge her reaction.
If she’s keen, ask if she can think of anyone suitable. Unless she suggests her best mate, it’s wise not to bring her up.
You’d also be wise to stop the secret visits to the lap dancing club which your girlfriend is likely to see as a betrayal. My support pack, Thinking Of A Threesome has more about the pros and cons.
Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays.
Send an email to deardeidre@the-sun.co.uk
You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page.
DEAR DEIDRE: I’M struggling since realising I’m bisexual. I’m not happy being with a guy or a girl.
I’ve only confided in a few close friends and I’m scared to tell my family. The hardest thing is, I don’t accept myself.
I’m an 18-year-old girl. I used to date only boys, but recently I’ve fallen for a female, too.
My friends are cool with it, but I’m not. I just want to be normal. My parents are very conservative and I know they’ll be upset.
I realise there’s nothing wrong with being bisexual, I just can’t see myself that way.
DEIDRE SAYS: It’s natural to feel confused when first coming to terms with your identity. Don’t rush into relationships with either sex.
And don’t feel you need to tell your family immediately.
For support, contact switchboard.lgbt (0300 330 0630). My support pack, Bisexual Questions, will help.
DEAR DEIDRE: SEXY dreams about my partner’s brother are keeping me up at night.
I’m worried I might have feelings for him and it’s making me so guilty and confused.
I’m 32 and my fella, who I’ve been with for 12 years, is 33. His brother is 28.
Until the dreams started, I didn’t think about my partner’s younger sibling at all.
He was an immature teenager when we first met and I found him annoying.
He’s a nice guy, but he’s quiet and we’ve only ever made small talk.
But after we saw him at a wedding, I had a very sexy dream about him, in which we were naked and in bed together. I was shocked.
I woke up feeling very turned on and could barely look at my partner.
Our sex life has been pretty dull lately, which makes it even worse.
Since then, I’ve had several similar dreams. My partner’s brother and I are having sex or kissing in the shower, on a beach, in a car.
It’s made me wonder if I am attracted to him on a deep level. I now fantasise about him when I’m with my partner.
It feels like I’m having an affair, even though he has no idea about any of this.
Last time I saw him, I felt so nervous and embarrassed, I blushed like a little girl.
Do these dreams mean anything and should I do something about them?
DEIDRE SAYS: Whether or not our dreams have meanings is contentious, but everyone agrees they shouldn’t be taken literally.
It’s likely that the issue here is your dissatisfaction over your sex life with your partner.
Your brain and body are craving sex. Perhaps your boyfriend’s brother symbolises the exciting sex you had when you were younger and now miss.
Keep your fantasies to yourself – they are harmless as long as you don’t reveal them. Instead, see if you can give your sex life with your partner a boost.
It’s likely the dreams will then stop automatically.
See my support packs, Sexual Fantasies And You, and 50 Ways To Improve Your Sexual Relationship.
DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN my sex addiction threatened to destroy my marriage, I recognised I needed to stop sleeping with everything in a skirt.
I thought my problem was loving women too much. I was having multiple affairs and sleeping with escorts – as well as with my wife – and knew it was wrong.
I’m a 46-year-old man. My wife is 44 and we have two grown-up kids.
You told me it was brave of me to admit my problem – but that my issue wasn’t that I was obsessed with women, it was an emptiness within myself that I was trying to fill.
You also warned me that I was putting my wife’s sexual health at risk.
Your support pack Addicted To Sex was very helpful to read.
You also suggested that I check out pivotalrecovery.org for a professional online self-help programme.
Your wise words of advice really got through to me.
I cancelled an escort I’d booked and ended my affairs. I got checked out at an STI clinic and thankfully was clear, so I didn’t need to tell my wife.
Now I’m having counselling. Thank you for caring.
DEIDRE SAYS: Sex addiction is difficult to overcome but it sounds like you’re on the road to recovery.
DEAR DEIDRE: MY best friend doesn’t want to know me any more. I have always been there for her, and don’t understand why she’s ghosted me.
I’m a 26-year-old guy and she is 25. We met at university six years ago, when we lived in the same accommodation block.
We bonded over our love of emo music.
As someone who finds it hard to make friends, and is shy, having a close friendship with her was important to me.
I would have liked a relationship but she made it clear she wasn’t interested.
Over the years, she’s had problems with depression, anxiety and self-harming. I was always there for support. I went with her to the doctor and sat up with her while she cried herself to sleep.
Sometimes, she wasn’t nice to me, but I didn’t stop being her friend.
Recently, though, she’s been avoiding me for no reason. If I call, she doesn’t pick up. She’s blocked me on social media too.
I haven’t done anything but be a good friend. Why is she treating me like this?
DEIDRE SAYS: Being ghosted by a close friend is extremely painful and confusing.
Perhaps she just needs some space. Or, if she’s having another crisis, pushing you away could be a symptom.
You can’t make her be your friend. All you can do is make it clear you care, and are there for her when she’s ready.
That said, your friendship does sound a little one-sided. You need someone who looks after you too.
My support packs Rows With Friends and Shyness And Social Anxiety may be of help.
