Single parents were given a roadmap to resources which can help them at a “Single But Not Alone” meeting.

On hand were seven organisations such as the Coalition of the Protection of Children and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, as well as legal advice.

The United Bermuda Party held the community meeting at St. Mary’s Church, Warwick, after Senator Gina Spence-Farmer found many people in her constituency were struggling to balance work and family commitments — particularly single parents.

She said: “Men and women were telling me what they struggle with and how today’s Bermuda really hurts single parents because of the housing crisis and cost of living.

“We thought if we could inform them of some of the organisations that are out their to support them it would be a step in the right direction.”

The Senator was joined by MP Jon Brunson, who spoke about the important role men should play in their children’s lives after a divorce. He spoke of his experience of spending quality time with his children and being involved in their lives despite not living with them full time.

MP Suzann Roberts-Holshouser spoke about the various programmes in place to help single parents.

Free babysitting was offered by the UBP youth organisation, something Sen. Spence-Farmer said probably encouraged people to come.

“We were very impressed with the turnout,” she said. “About a hundred people came, young and old, black and white, it was a real cross section of the community.

“The organisations themselves said it was a good turn out as their message often doesn’t get to people. Many of the parents didn’t even know about things available to them.”

Among the organisations that participated in the event were the Family Centre, Child Watch, The Hands of Love Ministry, Bermuda College and Employees Assistance Programme.

There were also two lawyers on hand that offered free legal advice and will continue to for the people who attended the meeting.

Sen. Spence-Farmer said the UBP hoped to have another night in other parishes in the future.