“I walked in anxious and walked out feeling like I belonged.” Raise Campaign- Zoe’s Story.

Zoe became a single parent in 2015 and says the first two years were “pure survival.” For years she avoided SPW, telling herself she wasn’t a “proper” single parent, but when she finally attended in 2019, she realised: “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” Now an ambassador, Zoe attends family and wellbeing events, including menopause sessions, and supports other parents. She describes the community as the place where she went from surviving to thriving and tells others: “Just come along - you won’t regret it.”

Zoe – single parent of two teenagers, SPW Volunteer Ambassador

When Zoe became a single parent in 2015, her world changed overnight. “The first two years felt like pure survival,” she admits. “It was all about worrying whether I’d cope - about money, benefits, keeping everything together. I was just getting through each day.”

Although Zoe knew about Single Parents Wellbeing (SPW), for years she kept her distance.

“I used to tell myself, ‘this isn’t for me.’ I thought because their dad was still in the picture, I wasn’t a ‘proper’ single parent. I carried my own stigma.”

By 2019, Zoe decided to give it a try. Nervous but determined, she walked into her first SPW event. “The day I turned up, I was anxious - but by the time I left, I’d forgotten my nerves. I felt part of it straight away, and I haven’t looked back since. The moment I connected, I thought: why didn’t I do this sooner?”

Since then, Zoe has thrown herself into the SPW community. She’s attended wellbeing workshops, family events, and more recently, sessions focusing on menopause.

“Those events are so valuable - it’s not just about parenting but about supporting the whole person. You leave feeling seen, informed, and cared for.”

For Zoe, the biggest change has been finding people who truly understand. “With friends and family, you worry about going on too much, or that people will judge. With other single parents, you can be honest. You can vent, laugh, and share the load. That’s the best therapy.”

Her advice to anyone thinking about joining? “Just come along. You might be nervous, you might think it’s not for you - I did. But you won’t regret it. You’ll feel welcomed, supported, and you’ll realise you’re not alone.”

Over time, SPW has become more than a support network - it’s been a source of pride.

“The fact the volunteer network is called Thrive says it all. Since joining, I really do feel like I thrive - not just survive. I feel supported, I feel held up, and I know I’m not doing this alone.”

Her children, now teenagers, have also felt the benefits. SPW events and youth activities have given them opportunities to meet others in similar situations and to create positive memories.

“There are challenges, of course,” Zoe says. “But there are also so many opportunities I might never have had in a miserable marriage. My children are happier for it, and so am I.”

Looking back on her journey, Zoe says being part of SPW has given her strength and perspective. “Being a single parent is tough, but it’s also made me stronger than I ever realised. And being part of SPW has shown me that we’re not just surviving - we’re thriving. We’re capable, we’re resilient, and we’re proud.”

Read more about our Raise Campaign here.