BBC documentary on the history of the single mum

BBC Three are making a documentary about the history of single mothers in the UK over the past 100 years. The documentary will share the personal stories of generations of women who have had experience of being unmarried mums. Through these accounts the documentary will tell a story of social stigma and financial struggle, but also the overcoming of adversity. 

The documentary will tell the stories of the 'secret' mums for whom single motherhood was not an option, the stories of those who were forced to give up their newborns- in some cases to a married member of their own family; and stories of women who, in the face of great pressure, chose to live openly as single mums.

The BBC are looking for people who would like to share their stories.

Do you have a story in your family about a single mum who had a baby between 1920-1980? The BBC would love to hear from you if you or a relative were in a mother and baby home or a workhouse; if you had to give up your baby for adoption or if you had to pretend that you had never given birth. The BBC would also be interested in any stories of women bringing up their children alone, during this time.

Any conversations, at this stage, would be in the strictest confidence and for research purposes only. Please contact Jenny Williams in the documentary department at the BBC on

jenny.williams@bbc.co.uk or 020 800 83825.