It's tough being a lone parent and Hampshire dad Chris Jenkins says it's particularly difficult for single fathers. Kate Thompson reports...

WHEN Chris Jenkins took custody of his young daughter a year after her birth, he knew his life would change forever.

The mother, from whom he was separated, could no longer cope with raising the child on her own so she handed the youngster over to her father.

"At the time I had a career that required me to be involved 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

"I was working in IT security but when my daughter came to live with me I had to give that job up," he said.

Chris, 33, from Lee-on-the-Solent, found it difficult to secure another job while having sole responsibility for raising his daughter.

"I couldn't go back to what I was doing as a career, and if I applied for any old job I got nowhere because they took one look at my CV and they knew I wasn't going to stick around for long.

"That's why I ended up becoming self-employed," he said.

Having been unemployed for six months, Chris was eligible to join a New Deal scheme and he decided to draw on his IT experience for his new job.

Chris has set up a website for lone fathers called Single Fathers Online.

The idea is to offer advice, information and a listening ear for fathers who are feeling isolated and unhappy.

"Women somehow seem to find it easier. Traditionally they have always had this involvement with bringing up their children and they have a support network around them.

"In the playground they are happy to stop and chat with other mothers, whereas it's more difficult for a man to do the same.

"Things like mother and toddler groups are also for women - I would have felt like a right lemon joining a local group and sitting there gossiping," he said.

The site allows members to vent their difficulties and frustrations.

"Geographically, it doesn't matter where we are because we are always available to lone dads any time of the day or night.

"When their kids have gone to bed they can log on and talk to other dads in the same position. It's a chance to share experiences and offer advice where necessary," he said.

"Men do find it more difficult to open up and express their feelings - this allows them to vent their frustrations."

The site went live about two months ago and Chris is hopeful that it will prove a winner.

"I am on the look out for sponsors who want to get involved and feel the target market is relevant for them.

"We've had more than 1,000 hits so far - it's slow progress but I'm sure interest will grow in the coming months," he said.

For more information visit: www.singlefathersonline.com