Trisha's Story
Trisha is 24 and lives in a two-bedroom council flat in London with her three children aged two, four and six.
Friday 17 November 2006
"I'm in a two-bed flat with three kids on an estate. When I asked for a bigger flat with three bedrooms, the council told me I could sleep in the living room. But then you can't have friends around, so I share the room with my son.
"The government wants us to work, us single parents, but I don't have an education. I had my children young - the first when I was 17. I want to get a job, but I can't get one that pays well enough to pay rent, council tax, food, childcare and clothes.
"I don't think the government is doing enough to help people to go out and work. You may get only £700 a month working, and £400 would be rent and council tax. You then have to live off £300 a month.
"I get £110 child tax credit and £49 income support every week. I'm paying back about £27 a week in loans for rent arrears, a new fridge and my girls' birthdays. I pay about £20 in gas and electricity, and £7 in nappies a week. The TV Licence is £5 and then about £70 goes on food shopping. I also pay £15 rent. And then there are all the other things - toiletries and little bits for myself. Their dad isn't here to help. He's in prison.
"I think I'm good at managing my money because I have to be good. I always think if there is electric, gas, nappies and food then the kids are fine. If I have to go without something then I have to go without. I don't have a phone, or cable TV or buy things from catalogues. It's all too much money and I can't afford it.
"But Christmas is always difficult. Also summer time, the six weeks, when all of them are at home. They want to go out, but it all costs money. Even being a Londoner, if you want to see sights in London you have to pay like a tourist.
"My oldest girl grows very fast and always needs new things. You try and cut costs and buy things cheaply, but cheap shoes break quickly and then you have to buy new ones again. You might as well get proper ones, which are £30 a pair, so that would be £90 for all of my children.
"My mum takes my kids every Friday night even if I have just £5 I'll go out with my friends. It's my only time for myself. We are all young mothers and we help each other. If someone has no money and you have a bit, you may buy them nappies or cigarettes. We also cook each other dinners. We're like a little family, helping each other out.
"I would like to work. I miss school and the freedom before kids. I don't regret having my kids, but if I could change it I would still have the same kids but I would have them later."
