Powerful new film highlights challenges of single parenthood

Researchers, policymakers, and NGOs – led by Glasgow Caledonian University - have collaborated on a powerful new film to mark Single Parents Day.

Experts from the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand helped devise the animation, Time for a New Chapter, in collaboration with the not-for-profit production company media co-op.

The film, part of an Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded project, led by Dr Janet Greenlees, Reader in Health History at Glasgow Caledonian, reflects the lived experiences of single parents, showcases the pride and strength in single parenthood, and addresses the misconceptions that many lone parents face.

Dr Greenlees said: "This animation is a unique transnational collaboration of historians and NGOs. It highlights the historic and current transnational similarities of the challenges faced by lone parents and how it’s time for a new chapter.

“Policies that address the needs of lone parents benefit everyone."

The film was co-produced in consultation with Dr Greenlees; ­­Professor Lindsey Earner-Byrne, of Trinity College Dublin; Karen Kiernan, chief executive of One Family Ireland; and Terese Edwards, National Council for Single Mothers and their Children, Australia.

Satwat Rehman, Chief Executive of One Parent Families Scotland, added: "One Parent Families Scotland was founded in 1944 against a backdrop of systemic cruelty when unmarried mothers had their babies forcibly taken from them for adoption.

"While society has progressed since then, as this film so beautifully illustrates, single mothers still face significant barriers.

"My hope is that this film serves as a catalyst for change - to educate and to challenge outdated perceptions and push for long-overdue equality and recognition for single parents everywhere."

A previous animation, produced by media co-op for Glasgow Caledonian University, was nominated for a Royal Television Society Scotland Award.

Closures and Beginnings used testimonies from people in Lanarkshire, from a research team including Dr Greenlees, to illustrate the impact the loss of heavy industry had on health, community facilities, employment and access to transport and other services.