Lone Parents

We have created a special area for Loan Parents on Mum and Working - inspired by the huge response we have had about work that is suitable for one parent familes.

Fine Art Student - Rachel Campbell

Rachel Campbell is Mum to Trey, and is currently a Fine Art Student in Truro.

The Interview

Name - Rachel Campbell

Location - Truro, Cornwall

Family - son Trey - aged 6.

Fine Art Student

What is your background?

I had Trey when I was 18, and before that I hadn't really been motivated at school, I didn't really care about my education and after I left I hadn't got a job.

Did having Trey change your life?

Completely - I suddenly had a reason to motivate myself, someone to achieve things for...so I could try and provide a better future for him.

How are you achieving your goals?

Since Trey was born, I've been in education, working my way through my exams. I am now a Fine Art student which I love! Eventually I would like to become a teacher - although I am very much keeping my options open. Down here in Cornwall jobs can be hard to come by, so when I've finished studying I will need to see what work is available to me - but I know I definitely want to work!

Do you get help with childcare as a student?

Yes, I get a grant from my local LEA to help with childcare.

Did you get any support/advice when thinking of going to college from any service providers - like the Job Centre?

Yes, the lone parent advisor at the local Job Centre was great. Very helpful and non intimidating.

Have you felt you've had an extra challenges being a lone parent?

Other than the usual ones of managing everything on my own, I have felt that being a relatively young single Mum I have come up against all the classic cliches - 'She got pregnant to get a flat', 'look at her obviously on benefits' etc...Its worse in a way than ever at the moment with the other parents at the School Gates. They are very cliquey and I have to force myself to rise above the comments I feel they are making. I know I am doing a really good job of preparing a future for myself and Trey and I won't give them the satisfaction of me defending myself.

What do you think the main benefit for you is of being a student?

Its really helped me keep my sanity! At times the work load is really heavy and I have to remind myself why I am doing it. I've enjoyed meeting new people and having stimulus in my life - if I was simply at home all day when Trey was at school I'd go mad!

As well as being a student you work - what do you do?

Having come out of school without much in the way of qualifications initially, I couldn't get a job. Since becoming a student I've realised that when I finish, my degree may not be enough to make me employable - so I have set myself up working at the Truro Arts Centre to get work experience. It fits in well with my studies and looking after Trey.

What do you think the biggest challenges are for you?

As I said sometimes the work load on my course can feel like its getting too much and I struggle. When it is like that, I often worry that I am doing all of this, and then with the job market in Cornwall - will I be able to get a job? Would I be better off quitting my course and trying to get a job now? Would I be better off if I started claiming benefits and staying at home? But then I take a deep breath - think about the future I want and want for Trey and know that by studying I am moving us forward and it will be worth it in the end, maybe not financially but certainly in terms of my self-esteem and confidence!