Posted By: Amy Tubb
8th May 2025
2 minute read
A new study from Home-Start London has revealed the toll financial stress is taking on the mental health of parents in the capital. Released on day four of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week to mark the theme 'Financial stress and Maternal Mental Health', the research highlights how the cost-of-living crisis is worsening mental health challenges for families with babies and young children, particularly single parents.
The survey of 300 families supported by Home-Start London found:
These findings highlight that financial insecurity can be a significant risk factor for perinatal mental illness, compounding the emotional and physical challenges that many parents face during this critical period.
The study reveals that single parents are disproportionately affected by the rising cost-of-living:
Home-Start London’s research confirms what we hear from single parents; it's incredibly tough to make ends meet on a single income and the pressure of doing this alone takes a huge emotional toll.
Sarah Lambert, Head of Policy at Gingerbread
Nearly half (47%) of the families surveyed said they need more emotional support, rising to 74% among families with children who have disabilities, long-term health conditions, or additional needs.
Joined-up approaches between statutory services and third-sector organisations like Home-Start are vital to bridging this gap. By working together, these services can provide parents with the compassionate, holistic support they need to manage their mental health.
Too many women facing mental health challenges in the early stages of parenthood are still slipping through the cracks.
Dr Hind Khalifeh, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist
Home-Start London provides community support through trained volunteers and skilled staff. Families receiving just a few hours of support each week reported significant improvements:
We step in during the hardest moments - mental health difficulties, mounting bills, housing struggles - so parents can focus on what matters most: their children. Every parent deserves to be able to access support when they need it.
Jessica Greenhalf, Director of Home-Start London
Two families shared how Home-Start’s support transformed their journeys.
A parent from Wandsworth said: “When I was pregnant with my second child I was so depressed. I wasn't connecting with the baby. My volunteer's visit was just really, really kind of just life enhancing, because she got involved. That was my first step into trying to be a better mum and Home-Start just gave me that extra little confidence that I really needed”
Another said: “It was very overwhelming having twins, very stressful. I felt super isolated and I did suffer a lot with my mental health. I was just so anxious I couldn't leave the house without someone. She [Home-Start volunteer] came with me to a couple of hospital appointments. It was just very reassuring having her there. So I was not feeling overwhelmed by myself.”
Home-Start London supports families with young children through their most challenging times. Across London last year, 750 volunteers supported over 6,200 families and their children.
For more information about the support Home-Start London provides, and to learn more about this research, visit their website.
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