HAVING children can leave parents feeling unexpectedly alone.

A quarter of parents in the region feel lonely and isolated, regularly feeling cut off from friends and other sources of support, according to new findings released by charity Action for Children.

The research has unearthed a shocking scale of loneliness that for more than a fifth of people in the region has become worse since becoming a parent. The importance of having a support network to rely on was also highlighted by parents the charity spoke to, with more than half (58 per cent) saying it is particularly important to have friends who are also parent.

One parent who found herself becoming isolated following the birth of her child was Dawn Hart from Blackfield in the New Forest.

Dawn, 25, had a difficulty pregnancy with son Archie, now two.

She had to have an emergency caesarean section which unfortunately led to a serious infection.

“Because of the infection from the birth I was unable to look after Archie for his first three months but I was lucky as I was living at my mum’s so my sisters and her looked after him for me," said Dawn, who is not in contact with Archie's father.

Dawn’s relationship with her mum then broke down and she and Archie moved into a nearby bed and breakfast for a few months.

“It was then that I really started feeling low and wouldn’t leave the house or see anyone for weeks at a time," she said.

"After being diagnosed with post-natal depression my health visitor put me in touch with Lisa, a family support worker at Action for Children, who got me back on my feet."

Action for Children runs 47 children’s centre services across Hampshire on behalf of the County Council. They provide early years child development, learning and childcare services.

“Lisa worked to build my confidence week by week and after a few months was eventually able to get me to leave the house and took me to a play group at the children’s centre," said Dawn.

"With her support and patience, I slowly started feeling better and after a while began to make a circle of friends with the other mums who use the centre.”

Liz Rowe, operational director of children’s services at Action for Children in Hampshire, said: “It’s troubling to see that so many parents in our region feel isolated.

“Having a network that you can call on is vital, to help celebrate your child’s achievements and share those funny moments or the tougher times, which all parents face.

“Becoming a parent doesn’t come with a handbook; you’re always learning and as your children grow their needs, and the skills you need to call on as a parent, change.

“Our children’s centre services across Hampshire offer a real lifeline to parents who feel isolated – somewhere to meet and make friends. Staff there won’t judge if you drop in looking for support, and you can take part in activities like play sessions or parenting classes.”

To find your nearest service or for more information visit actionforchildren.org.uk or telephone 02380 890 877.