Kate & Emily - Our TV Series

Article from the Daily Mail Weekend magazine about us and our TV series!'

Mon, 4 Dec 2006 14:18:06 +0000

Kate and Emily are to struggling lone mums what Trinny and Susannah are to the sartorially challenged. As the pair star in a new TV series, JILL PARKIN hears how they give single mothers back their self-esteem

Kate Ford and Emily Abbott are both posh, hearty and stylish – few mothers manage to look as good as these two, even with a supporting cast of husband and two salaries. Their marriages went wrong, they made new lives for themselves and now they’re on a TV mission to do the same for others, like a Trinny and Susannah for lone mums.

‘We tell people things their friends wouldn’t say, because friends often back you up, agree that you’re a victim, and don’t help you to move on’ says 44-year-old Kate, a mother of two whose husband left her five years ago.

Details of programmes shown 4th - 8th September

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 20:48:19 +0000

MONDAY 4TH - BETTINA
Mum of two Bettina battles to deal with her work concerns and is baffled when her kids call her 'stressy'. Professional advice is warmly received.

TUESDAY 5TH - ROSE
Rose needs to move on and start concentrating on herself as well as her daughters. Kate and Emily arrange a personal trainer to whip her into shape

WEDNESDAY 6TH - BIRGIT
An amazing story of riches to rags, Birgit once lived the high life but now struggles to survive. Can a life coach stop her dwelling on the past?

THURSDAY 7TH - VICKI
Today, Kate and Emily help Vicki face the inevitability of her nine-year-old son Dylan starting to ask questions about his estranged father.

Contact Information for the People who Helped us on Single Mums SOS

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 20:23:54 +0000

Pure Beauty, helped Heli unwind in Single Mums SOS
Following the positive feedback Heli Roberts gave on your new TV series Single Mums SOS with Kate & Emily and the benefit she got from her massage and general pamper with Pure Beauty I thought it might beneft other mums in similar situations and who would like to spend more time on themselves to know where to find me. As Heli realised I can offer a totally calm, quiet relaxed environment to unwind and recharge away from the stresses of everyday life and children.

I know you advise alot of your mums to do as Heli did and allow themselves time and relaxation so I imagine it would be good to be able to offer a place which has been tried and tested and recommended by one of your previous mums. My dermalogica treatments are to the standard of all top salons but as I have fewer overheads they can be offered at a much more reasonable price. Price is often, along with time constraints, one of the main reasons I find mums won't invest in themselves. I can be contacted on purebeautymail@yahoo.co.uk

What our series Single Mums SOS is about

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 12:20:45 +0000

We are not experts with a raft of diplomas and qualifications (other than a couple of irrelevant degrees, and all manner of other interesting, though unrelated, certificates.) We are however, stuffed full of common sense and experience and hopefully a manner and style which encourages people to sort themselves out, nudge them along the way, or simply to do what they had always meant to do but had never got round to. We are also quite bossy!!

We follow 15 people in batches of 5 as they get to know each other, start looking after themselves, improve relationships with their children’s other parent, start businesses, sort out their money, their wardrobes their attitude and so much more.

Details of programmes shown 21st - 26th August

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 12:16:18 +0000

MONDAY 21ST - PIPPA
Pippa's early 30's with a young son. She's been bringing up Tobias on her own since day 1, and now several years down the line, feeling happy with her job, home, family and in herself, she knows that if she doesn't switch off the telly, get up off the sofa and out and about she's going to be a lonely old spinster. But first things first - she needs to sort out co-parenting with Tobias' dad, learn to let go a bit and encourage Tobias and his dad to build a healthy relationship which will include him staying at his Dad's for weekends. And while the cat's away the mice can play..... Come speed dating with Pippa - did cupid strike over a 4 minute chat with a man that dribbled on the loo seat????

Details of programmes being shown 28th August - 1st September

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 11:47:21 +0000

MONDAY 28TH AUGUST - KATIE
katie's marriage ended due to one affair too many - she decided to go it alone. We met her with panic in her eyes as she was confronted with getting her money under control - even knowing what she had and what she could afford. Even opening enveloped and filing's daunting. Anyone who gets to grios with their money deserves a treat - and what a treat! She and Emily wind back the clock 20 years and get back on the lacrosse pitch.... which one could catch the ball and keep up with the bright young things..... Then there's a new love interest...!

TUESDAY 29TH AUGUST - JO

Our TV series/media requests

Tue, 6 Jun 2006 20:16:59 +0000

Single Mums SOS with Kate & Emily ... our TV series

.......... If you would like us to star in your show or speak at your function do get in touch but at the moment we are full steam ahead developing our workshops

"To know the road ahead ask those coming back" they said modestly ... Cameras roll, and action....
"You cannot wake someone who is pretending to be asleep!!!" ... and cut
"All generalisations including this one are false" ... absolument! ... it’s a wrap baby!
Showing everyday from March 6th 2008 at 8 in the morning

READ THIS ARTICLE - IT'S FROM THE DAILY MAIL AND ALL ABOUT US AND OUR TV SERIES

A bit more about our series We had enormous fun, frets, laughs , anguish and a real rollercoaster of a journey as we have accompanied 15 single mothers along a little Kate & Emily journey. We do hope that the viewers are entertained and also learn something about the highs and lows of single parenting whether they are single parents themselves, know people who are, or it just puts a slightly different spin on the whole state. We are not experts with a raft of diplomas and qualifications (other than a couple of irrelevant degrees, and all manner of other interesting, though unrelated, certificates.) We are however, stuffed full of common sense and experience and hopefully a manner and style which encourages people to sort themselves out, nudge them along the way, or simply to do what they had always meant to do but had never got round to. We are also quite bossy!!
A bit more about ur series We follow 15 people in batches of 5 as they get to know each other, start looking after themselves, improve relationships with their children’s other parent, start businesses, sort out their money, their wardrobes their attitude and so much more.
The amazing thing about the series has been the extent to which the participants' lives appear to have changed within a relativly short period. Really all we have done is move on in there, activated them and coerced them with encouragement, enthusiasm and joie do vivre to make them believe that, whatever it is, it is possible and that they could and should dare to have a go.
One of the consequences of living and being alone after a break up seems to be that people lose confidence, enthusiasm and the will to act. They are also often tired, run down and find it easy to come up with excuses not to. By having us in the background the mums were sort of forced to act, a bit like having a horrible deadline at work. I am sure we irritated all of them at some point but hopefully by the end I think they realised there was method in our madness. We did what your friends can't do, even though they might like to suggest some of this, unless they want firing.
In many respects the journeys have been complete roller coasters of action and emotion. Despite a high proportion of people who would have abandoned mission if they could have - just about everyone seemed to get a lot out of the experience and their achievments ( we certainly did!). We can't take responsibility for what they achieved. They did it for themselves and that is the bit that sends shivers of joy down my spine, and tingles down hers. We merely directed and encouraged, hassled, and hopefully got them to think from a slightly different perspective. With a mixture of:
Thought-provoking group discussions and exercises
Humour (well that's what we call it, though slightly basic!)and really friendly encouragement
Rest, relaxation and food
Tips, ideas and advice
We aim to push people to achieve for themselves. We won't accept excuses, we want them pushing the envelope, getting out of their comfort zone, starting to live again and taking control. And guess what, it seems to have worked! So clock us in action on Discovery Home and Health.
TV Programmes:

Article from the Daily Mail Weekend magazine about us and our TV series!'
Details of programmes shown 4th - 8th September
Contact Information for the People who Helped us on Single Mums SOS
Details of programmes shown 21st - 26th August
Details of programmes being shown 28th August - 1st September

MONDAY 21ST - PIPPA
Pippa's early 30's with a young son. She's been bringing up Tobias on her own since day 1, and now several years down the line, feeling happy with her job, home, family and in herself, she knows that if she doesn't switch off the telly, get up off the sofa and out and about she's going to be a lonely old spinster. But first things first - she needs to sort out co-parenting with Tobias' dad, learn to let go a bit and encourage Tobias and his dad to build a healthy relationship which will include him staying at his Dad's for weekends. And while the cat's away the mice can play..... Come speed dating with Pippa - did cupid strike over a 4 minute chat with a man that dribbled on the loo seat????
TUESDAY 22ND - SIOBHAN
Siobhan is mid 30's with a 9 year old son. Like Pippa, Siobhan has always bought up Jake on her own, the father has never met Jake and is plays no part in their lives. They are a happy close pair but Siobhan, much as she loves her son, does feel as if she watches life a little bit from the sidelines, with limited opportunities and very little money. Her dream is to have an exhibition of her own photography. Photography's a new found hobbie, but she's a natural... Kate & Emily agree to help her with encouragement, advertising in their newsletter and access to the Kate & Emily network to recruit single mums and their children as models. BUT, there's a catch - she can have her dream if she promises to think more constructively about finding a photo at least of jake's dad so that as he grows up he has some sense of where he came from and who he is. Talented or not, putting on an exhibition is a massive time consuming task - will Siobhan do it, will she bale out or are Kate & Emily able to get her to the finishing line? Triumph or failure? Tune in to find out!!
And to see what she's been doing since the programme was filme visit her new website at www.siobhanbarlowphotography.com
WEDNESDAY 23RD - HELI
Heli's very recently seperated and has 2 primary school aged children, with a very busy schedule to manage. As she says, it's like a military operation getting out in the mornings. She's emotionally and physically exhausted and at the stage when everything looks dreadful. But, she's being positive and can't wait to be laughing again. Kate & Emily try the fun solution to bring a smile to her face..... Did it?? Hmmm jury's out - you decide.... Kate & Emily knwo that there are sometimes in all this process when the best thing to do is treat yourself - be at deep bath, walk or massage sometimes you need your mind to switch off and relax, recharge and feel refreshed enough to meet the next day.... Does Heli agree?
THURSDAY 24TH - ANGELA
Angela's the mum with the older children that are in the 'terrible teenage' years. She's managing this tricky time with 2 teenage daughters on her own and we all know from our own childhoods what we were like with our mothers as teenagers, so you can picture the conversations in Angela's house! As she looks to the future when the children have gone she worries about how she'll earn money. But like Siobhan she too has a bhobbie tyhat could become a business - she's a fantastic cook. Kate & Emily encourage her to have a go, to explore her options and to find out if a catering business would work. Kate recruits her friends as guinea pig guests at a dinner party and Emily writes the questionnaire for feedback... What did they say? Will it work? Will it give Angela the boost she needs or is it all just too much to contemplate?
FRIDAY 25TH - HEIDI
Heidi is in her mid 20's with 2 young children, including a baby daughter just out of hospital recovering from meningitis. She's exhausted and upset that her marriage is in it's final death-throws (or is it? Even Heidi's not sure if she and John are really finished). That's Heidi's dilemma to resolve but Kate & Emily are keen to give Heidi the tools to make the right decision. Heidi's been iscolated in her block of flats, she doesn't know any other local mums and she's scared about meeting people - it's easier to stay in.... Kate & Emily find her an expert to help her confidence, and get her practicing by going to local play groups. Does it work? Do they really have to wait for hours in the park to talk to Heidi while she chit chats to new friends???
MONDAY 28TH AUGUST - KATIE
katie's marriage ended due to one affair too many - she decided to go it alone. We met her with panic in her eyes as she was confronted with getting her money under control - even knowing what she had and what she could afford. Even opening enveloped and filing's daunting. Anyone who gets to grios with their money deserves a treat - and what a treat! She and Emily wind back the clock 20 years and get back on the lacrosse pitch.... which one could catch the ball and keep up with the bright young things..... Then there's a new love interest...!
TUESDAY 29TH AUGUST - JO
The lovely Jo, pregnant from a night of passion with a flat mate and still friends. Jo needed a push to embrace life a little, and boy does she rise to the challenge!! Watch Jo go (and you can continue to keep tabs on her by reading her dating blog on this web site)
WEDNESDAY 30TH AUGUST - FIONA
Fiona is an attractive, smart lady whose self confidence and esteem has taken massive knocks throughout life - and her husband leaving is one fo the final straws. We try to lift spirits, to get her moving on and looking forward, to feel attractive and valued again. Kate drags her out to play with the handsome soldiers on the common. Can we get her onwards nad upwards or is it a more deep seated depression...? Not everyone's ready to look to the future, many need the support of their local GP
THURSDAY 31ST AUGUST - HELEN
Helen has had a hard time of it, leaving an abusive relationship bringing up 4 children on her own, with a mixture of educational and behavioural problems. Helen is warn out and has put herself at the bottom of the pile. One day she needs to get back intot he workplace but she's been told she doesn't look 'right' for work. hearing that knowcked her confidence and pride even more. But they have a point - sometimes you have to play the game, or you don't even get to play. We find her a wardrobe consultant and wait for the results.... Then there's Helsn's home - like Heln it's suffereing from a lack of care and attention. My! How we cleaned!!
FRIDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER - NICKY Nicky's marriage ended after 20 years and the fall out for her and children has been major and tempestuous. We focus on helping Nicky get the children's relationship with their dad back on to some sort of even keal, and then to get Nicky feeling perkier - finding her new friends in the same position and gradually feeling strong enough to face her new future.