A SINGLE mum from Maguiresbridge has said that a lack of affordable childcare options is having a negative impact on her mental health.

For 20-year-old Erin Bell, her boys, two-year-old Caleb and nine-month-old Cohan, are her world.

But even she admits that on some days it can get tough, especially when routine things like grocery shopping or doctor's appointments can become challenging with kids in tow.

Erin said she is one of the countless local mothers who would benefit from an affordable, accessible childcare option.

It would allow her to take a much-needed 'mental health day', and even allow her to return to work part-time as a hairdresser.

Unfortunately, due to a combination of high costs and a lack of availability, such options are currently out reach.

"In terms of childcare, there aren't many affordable options out there," she said. "I live in Maguiresbridge, which is just outside the SureStart area. On top of this, it seems to be the general opinion that if you don't work, you don't need childcare.

"This is all well and good, but looking after children is a full-time job in itself Doctor and dental appointments are not easily handled when you have an infant or toddler. Grocery shopping is a lot faster and easier when there aren't children crying from the trolley.

"Just because many single mothers don't have jobs doesn't mean we should be denied help with childcare. Normal jobs grant a mental health day. This should be the same for stay-at-home mums, as it comes with a lot of mental struggles."

Erin said that while she has looked into childcare options outside of Maguiresbridge, options have proven to be "barely affordable".

"Childcare is just extortionate, and there is no point in working if you are spending every penny on childcare," she said. "If it was more reasonable, I would go back to work. I was a hairdresser and had been studying at South West College.

"I always planned to return to work. But when the question came up about how I would afford childcare, it was clear this wasn't possible.

"It would be great to have my own money and be able to save to take the kids away somewhere nice, but the reality is I would just be working to pay for childcare."

Erin added: "As a young single mum, I experience a lot of judgement from people, who think you are lazy for not working.

"This isn't the case, and I feel that if childcare wasn't so expensive, so many more stay-at-home mums would be able to work and have careers."