‘I’m a young mum facing homelessness during Christmas – this is what I wish more people knew’

A young single mum potentially facing a homeless Christmas has said she has been forced to skip meals in order to afford baby formula for her little one because she’s been unable to afford enough food to be able to breastfeed. 25-year-old Leanne is facing her second Christmas as a single mum on the verge of homelessness.

The Londoner became homeless while she was pregnant in 2023 due to unforeseen circumstances that the employed graduate never imagined would happen to her, having to leave her flat and quit her job fearing for her and her baby’s safety. When her son was born she was placed in temporary accommodations but the price of baby formula took her by surprise as she was left having to skip her own meals to afford it.

A survey by formula company Bonya found 90% of new parents are concerned about how to afford baby formula this Christmas as prices have risen by a quarter in the last year, turning the necessity into a luxury for some. Leanne said her son is a “fussy eater” and may require formula until his second birthday. Like many mums on the poverty line, Leanne can’t afford to feed herself enough to breastfeed but for now, the charity Sebby’s Corner has been able to help the young mum ensure her little one has the formula he needs.

She gushed: “Sebby’s Corner are so helpful as they offer so many formulas. In my case my baby drinks Kendamil (Bonya formula) and upon visiting (earlier this month), we received 2 formulas. This has not only saved me around £26 but has also made me feel at peace knowing he will have enough formula over Christmas and I can also now afford to get him a Christmas gift. It honestly brings tears to my eyes.”

During this festive time of year, Leanne urged anyone who may know a single parent, whether they are struggling financially or not, to include them in their celebrations. She shared: “I think extended family or friends should always invite a single parent to their home, as Christmas and new year is a time of reflection and appreciating friends and family.”

Leanne is determined to give her son a special holiday every year despite any circumstances she faces, having celebrated his first Christmas on a tight budget spending just £25 on food and getting a £5 3-foot-tall tree that is back up this year. She shared: “It’s really important to me that my son can look back at his Christmas photos every year and know he got some clothes or something to open.”

This is a very different festive reality than the one Leanne grew up in, despite having low income parents as well: “I grew up in a large extended family, with over 9 aunties and uncles between my parents, therefore food was never a problem, I could always eat at an aunts or uncles or my grandparents, which would have taken the pressure of my mum and dad as there were 3 of us to feed.”

Despite it all, Leanne keeps a positive attitude, mostly thanks to her son: “My life hack has been counting the things I’m grateful for, I am always grateful for the life of my son. Waking up and seeing his little face makes my day.”

Ross McMahon, CEO of Bonya that was ranked as one of the most affordable baby formula brands by Which? explained that costs of making baby formula has gradually risen over the past year, steadily pushing up the consumer price alongside it. While many people link price to quality, he highlighted: “All formulas are nutritionally complete, whether they are the most affordable or the most expensive. There can be differences in formulas such as whether they are organic, whether they are vegetarian or whether they are suitable for halal or kosher diets.

“However, price and these features don’t necessarily correlate. The most expensive product on the shelf does currently contain fish oil for example, making it unsuitable for vegetarians.” Bianca Sakol MBE, Founder and CEO of Sebby’s Corner, pointed out that Bonya is one of the very few baby formulas that can be bought with Healthy Start vouchers.

The scheme is provided by the government to help give babies the nutrition they need to develop, but Bianca pointed out: “Unfortunately, the current value of the vouchers falls short of covering the cost of a single box of formula, leaving families to make up the difference.”

For those feeling generous this season of giving, Bianca highlighted donations of baby formula, nappies, warm clothing, toiletries and other necessities are accepted at hubs that need them, which can be found on their website, while volunteering to organise donations can also be a great support to charities like Sebby’s Corner. Those without time or items to share can also contribute financially to help charities buy the items their donations are lacking and keep them moving forward.