Kimberley: Young Mum 10 Years On

Kimberley: Young Mum 10 Years On

Kimberley in Fifteen

In 1999 Kimberley was a teenager with big dreams, in love for the first time and keen to avoid getting pregnant young like her mum and sister had done. Almost 10 years later and Kimberley is now a 24-year-old mum-of-two, and Daisy has reintroduced the camera into her life.

Kimberley lives on a South London council estate in a one-bedroom flat on a budget of £110 a week. She has already had one child removed from her by social services, and now she's in danger of losing another. Her two-year-old son, Harvey, has been on the child protection register since he was a baby. But Kimberley is now determined to turn her life around.

This tough yet tender portrait of a young mum on benefits asks just what makes a good enough mother, and explores how we pass our behaviour down through the generations. Interviews with Kimberley today are inter-cut with archive footage of her as a teenager, producing a powerful dialogue between Kimberley now and her 15-year-old self.

Can Kim prove to social services that she's a 'good enough' mum, and keep hold of Harvey? And with new boyfriend Anthony at her side, will Kim be able to finally break with her own past, and build a happy family life for the future?

On TV

First Shown

Date Time Channel
Thursday 23 April 2009 9PM Channel 4

Last Shown

Date Time Channel
Monday 06 July 2009 2.30AM More4

Next On

Date Time Channel
Sunday 14 February 10.05PM More4
Monday 15 February 3.05AM More4

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  1. theres a lot of people commenting on teenage mums and saying they should take precautions, fair enough but older people also dont take precautions and split up with there partners its not just teens if you havent lived there lives DONT JUDGE THEM!!!!!!!
    Posted by sam on 06/02/2010 20:50:47
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  2. hi kimberley will im a mum mysif and im so up set coz im a little grl and wen i was 15 i was at my mums and i wen to the borthroom with my friend jade and she got me a tes and ohh my god i was soo up set coz i dun it and know im a mum and iz not easy and im with my babys dad and im happy coz mylittle boy kai is her to mak me happy and wen i see kais face im so happy and i may be 16 but im happy with my life and i hope all of you like to i blees so much and i hope it will get better soon and bein a mum is a lot but you dun it 4 your kid and you sod be happy with yourslif coz goin in the plan iz not esay an yh god blees you all and will done and thank you 4 lookin at my page.xx
    Posted by leighann on 04/01/2010 14:46:57
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  3. great
    Posted by jp on 29/08/2009 08:38:08
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  4. I am a teenage mum myself and i think its unfair that we get shot down so easily saying were all on benefits n others are paying taxes for us... for one i work between 35 and 40 hours per week! my son is in a childminders i dont expect anyone else to give up their commitments to look after him! every single person comments on how happy he is and what a great job i do and how he always looks good and has everything he needs ( all of which i buy with my own wages ) yes me and his father split up but he is still happy and dont think its fair to judge me for this! his father doesnt pay for him i do it all on my own dont expect money from anyone else and on the rare occasion i need something that my parents buy it i always make a point of giving them the money back as i CAN and WILL also WANT to do this myself so just saying i dont think its fair that we all get classed in the same boat! theres plenty of older mothers out there that claim benefits etc also so dont think its fair to blame non working mothers all on teenage mothers!
    Posted by Charlotte on 16/08/2009 21:36:18
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  5. I think it's very irresponsible for girls to get pregnant when their teenagers. They should take precautions when they have sex or if not, then they shouldn't be having sex at all. I respect women who do go through with it but it shouldn't be happening in the first place, especially when most of them are claiming benifits and it's people like my family that work hard and thats what their taxes are paying for. It's not fair to be honest. People should have safe sex or not have sex at all. It's not fair on the child been brought into the world either.
    Posted by Sam on 02/08/2009 23:54:07
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  6. I missed this programme as i was out - and i really want to watch it - is there any chance it can be put on 4od???? i'm seriously annoyed i missed it!!!!
    Posted by Kate on 07/07/2009 15:19:28
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  7. I really liked Kimberley as a person and was totally taken in my her but something in me can't help feelin that she made her bed so she has 2 lay in it! Without bein 2 harsh (I do have sympathy for her as a 24yr single mum myself) but she was goin about things all the wrong way! You need 2 find happiness in yourself before you can be happy in a relationship. She should just concentrate on herself and her kids not chasin after men. I think its selfish of people 2 brings kids in2 this world when they arent stable and financially able 2 provide. Sorry Kimberley you seem to be a lovely girl and I love your spirit. I wish you all the best for the future and hope you and your kids find happiness 2gether XxXx
    Posted by anon on 06/07/2009 00:06:54
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  8. Hi kimberly, i've watched ur prog and along with ur pain and fustration, i feel ur desperation, ur in a hole and no matter how good u are and how much u try 2 get out, life just keeps shovelling s*** in on top of u. u are where u are because of the hand u were dealt in life, it has lent u crippling mistrust of every human intention and as a result, a legacy of not expecting or accepting anything better 4 urself, to the point of not thinkin u deserve good things and subconciously rejecting and sabbotaging good things that come into ur life. u and i sail in d same boat. life's been tough 4 me too, but u like me and so many othr girl's around d world live our lives to make sure our kids don't suffer d same consequences. There are warriors in this world, warriors that fight, and warriors that fight to survive. u are a warrior of both, u survive ur own life every day and fight 4 ur kids. u have so much to be proud of urself eveyday, not just ur kids but the very fact that u bring them from 1 day to the next knowing ur there and u love dem. there are d most priveliged people in d world that can't achieve that everday. u have been given ur life , as hard as it may have been, so u can teach and be there 4 someone else and make their lives a little easier and also so ur kids don't go through d same. i believe u lack confidence and self worth, which is a pity because u are a beautiful and intelligent girl and are one of life's valuable teacher's, tho u may not see it yet, u mark my words, ur tough existence will bring ease to someone elses hardship and ul kno why you've been dealt d hard card. you have alot to be proud of urself 4, ur a good mother from what i can see on ur prog, you've had a hard life from which you've managed to survive and still do ur best everyday 4 ur kids. i wish u d best in d future and hope all works out with u and ur older son, and i hope u can overcome and learn to accept any honest love that comes into ur life. if ur love life does'nt work out, then don't u forget honey that u are life's survivor, it's fairly easy to fight 4 our kids, u just start fighting for the good u deserve, because u do deserve good things and isn't that a fanastic legacy to pass on to ur sons and daughter, that they also deserve that:-) the best of best wishes 4 u and ur's 4 d future, cause u and ur kids deserve it!!!! x
    Posted by karen on 06/07/2009 00:04:14
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  9. I feel sorry for Kimberley but I really feel that she has to pull herself together. Lots of unmarried/single mothers are out there in the world (and coping very well) but they don't get commended for their efforts. Also, it's not always teenagers who end up single mothers. My own mother is a single parent, just under different circumstances. I hope that she can learn from others' examples and that she can show the media that the term 'struggling teenage single mothers' is just a big, fat, stereotype. Quit being so negative, media!
    Posted by Sarah on 13/06/2009 23:38:20
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  10. i was a teenage mum at the age of 14 i was ashamed of myself for being pergnat!BUT i was sure my life would change from this day on. About 2 years after my wonderful daugther was born (now 4)i started univerty i wasn't sure were to go what to do but i was so happy to have a fresh start.My boyfriend (my daughters dad) and i are still together he said he would see it thruogh and he soo did i was so gratful.I know not all girls aren't aas lucky as i had a family and friends and mydaughters father behide me so all i would say is that it wasn't a mistake but i will i want to change something!
    Posted by coco on 03/06/2009 20:22:12
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  11. I think kim is great!! with all the stresses no hlp from any1 its hard been a single mum! esp when fathers of kids walk out! they should be hung.. not paintin all men with same stick as there is lovely men out there who break up as young parents but they do there share in raising there kid. which is great. but most dont like father of my 7 yr old!! walked out when i was 6 months preg! and we havent heard from him since! i got his number recently got no reply as i wanna see if he wants a chance make up with his son! but i doubt he ever will he has 2 other kids by different mums. i just dont understand what goes on in there wen they turn there backs on there kids! sick!! When my son was over a year old i found a right man and were together now 6 years almost and we planned a baby together.. she is now 8 months old! so right man is out there! just go for right type lol!! Also kim is split of a friend of mine looks etc its mad!! so kim if wanna email me feel free! mags!
    Posted by Mags on 04/05/2009 17:18:41
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  12. I have heard a lot of discussion on the programme, and myself and work colleagues would love to see both the original programme and the resent one, is there anywhere we can get them from.
    Posted by Jill on 29/04/2009 15:19:37
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  13. I agree with ROBYN AND RHIANNON, it is sooo typical of the media to pick out the the less unfourtunate cases, how about all the young mums that are doing well for themselfs and trying dam hard to get out of the steryotype that are put on teenage parents!! I was moved and touched by kimberly's documentry, and I know it must of been hard for her during this documentery knowing that millions of people will be watching it and judging her I think she has got sooooo much courage!!!! I too am a young single parent I had my first son at 15 with no involvment from the social services and no support from any outside agencies till I was 16!! I have also been with a violent partner till last year, I understand how hard it to keep on going and to keep your confidence in yourself that things will get better and change, at ties it feels like a never ending road!!! as I was only 15 at that time I didnt meet any of the criteria for help I had to stay at my partners mums house get a job at a resturant to help keeep me and my son, I then went on to work at a local nurery for six years and im a qualifed nursery nurse, and am currently at uni studing a degree, ive also been involved in setting up a young parents reasourse group in our local area to help other young parents which has ben running for over two and a half years now. I have also been on parenting skills courses which Im qualified to deliever in the community, which I have done and among all this I had another child at the age of 20 I think, I BELIEVE that Im just as good if not more CAPABLE of looking after my children then a older parent, I understand that kimberly was less fourtunate then I was but I have worked extremly hard to get this far so that my children can grow up in the best possible care and surroundings. society needs to take a look around and see why is it that there are so many teenage pregnacy and think of more productive ways in which to help teenagers become moe knowledgeable about becoming a parent and instead of concentrateing on putting teenage parents down!!!!! how about a little pat on the back, I know pleanty of teenage parents how are brilliant, they may all not have jobs and promising carers but they are excellent MOTHERS who are kind, caring and and attentive towards their children and do everything they can possible that there children never go without. these are the things we should be seeing and hearing about!!!! WHY DOES IT ALWAYS HAVE TO BE NEGETIVE???????????????
    Posted by STUDENT on 28/04/2009 22:01:21
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  14. The documentary was very moving. I have a friend in a very similar situation and my heart also goes out to Kimberly. And Jane you are right, she needs, as many other single parents do, support. Everyone does not always get the right support they NEED, so just a reminder to everyone, let's do what we CAN to help those who NEED it. How come Sizzla wasn't mentioned in the credits when his song was played at the end?
    Posted by Lia on 28/04/2009 19:04:44
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  15. i would like to start by saying ty to everyone who has give kimberley support i was a young mother i was 15 when i first became pregnant with my eldest daughter i never wanted kimberley or her sister to become young mothers but children don,t listen to you in this day and age it was easy bringing up ny children but hard in a way i was on benefits my husband never helped me with the children i raised 5 children by myself without his help i belive i done a good job raising 5 children and it is not always the parents who are to blame for the way kids turn out it is sometimes the people thay follow
    Posted by mother of kimberley on 28/04/2009 18:16:41
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  16. I thought this documentary was incredibly sad especially for her young son having witnessed violence from his father. I have just read all the comments find them surprising. Most of them are 'well done' she's doing great etc. I think society should expect more from kimberley as I think she has it in her to turn herself around but is not coping. Clearly she wants the best for her kids but she is struggling and needs support so I think by just saying well done is crazy and perpetuating low expectations of young mums etc.
    Posted by Jane on 27/04/2009 15:42:12
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  17. I so agree with RHIANNON. Every time I see a young mum on tv she's struggling and got this problem and that problem. It is so frustrating and it is the reasons I have the problems I do with people as they think this is how it is. So far from the truth!! I work whilst going university have 2 children and am only 20! I think it's as hard as you let it be. I will not struggle or be a typical teenage mum, I do a better job than a lot of adult parents. TV needs to show this more often.
    Posted by Robyn on 26/04/2009 22:55:31
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  18. Any chance re running the original documentary series '15' that was show ten years ago?
    Posted by Crates on 26/04/2009 20:45:38
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  19. it would be really good to see the first one on 4od! It would be good to see how much she has come on- i enjoyed the programme and being the same age as her it is amazing to watch. I think she has had a hard life- I also think she knows her problems- I do think she would benefit from some kinda womans workshop to prevent her from falling from the wrong man- it would have been nice to see what happened with her children and her bf? does anybody know? Kimberley if you are reading this- good luck and remember YOU dont need a man to make your life whole- you just need the love of your children they are products of you and you should be very proud of them both and realise that they are what you make them.
    Posted by annieg07 on 26/04/2009 00:19:27
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  20. I am always dissapointed that every look at single mothers focuses on a teenage mum, on benefits, living in a council house and having more children despite struggling with those she already has. Sadly this is why the stigma against single mothers still exists - I am a single mum, I know I have been luckier than Kimberley but i have also worked so hard to avoid all these pitfalls - and i do everything within my power to ensure my son will grow up a strong, kind member of the community, a person I can be proud of. Not all single mothers get pregnant as they have no other options (i was in a long term relationship which fell apart after our son was born), nor do we expect the government to bail us out - i worked for the first two years of my sons life and am now studying at university, and intend to set a bloody good example to my son - I was pleased to see Kimberly was taking steps to get herself and her children into a better situation and i hope she has the strength to continue in this direction, but come on Channel 4, stop perpetuating the stereotype, widen your focus to the reality of single mothers today - we are as diverse as any sector of the community and everyone of us works hard to do the job of two people on our own.
    Posted by Rhiannon on 25/04/2009 19:49:12
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  21. a very powerful and strong documentary that produced which i think would be very useful to be shown in secondary schools. I did hoope however that there was a conclusion to the story; how is kimberly doing? did she stay with Anthony? and will there be a follow up programme?
    Posted by Secondary School teacher on 25/04/2009 15:55:26
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  22. This is the society we life in,were the rich get rich and the poor get pooer.we are born intelliegent,not all of us have acess to the best resouces and have to make do with what were given.kimberley please give yourself more creit,you are a beautiful person who wears her heart on her sleave,dont give up the fight stay strong.
    Posted by faith on 25/04/2009 01:58:37
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  23. Kimberley is a mum who loves her children and tries to do her best by them. I really hope that she begins to allow her boyfriend in through the walls she has built around her as I felt that she was pushing him away, almost trying to prove that he would leave like the rest. He seems like a good guy who loves her and maybe couple counselling could be of help. I also hope that she can continue the great relationship she has with Harvey by creating some 'one to one' time with him which can be difficult or forgotten when a new baby arrives. I would love to find out how things are going in the future and to see if Kimberley can allow others into her heart and into her life. Good luck.
    Posted by BusyB on 24/04/2009 23:28:22
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  24. i missed the cutting edge prog on 23 april can you send me transcript or a video copy to
    Posted by alison on 24/04/2009 16:08:05
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  25. I really think they should show the story 10 years ago because teenagers of this day and age where only babys then really, i think programmes like this have a big effect on some teenagers lives ino when i see things like this it makes me not want to repeat history my moms a single parent i never want to go that way..i feel sorry for kimberley but her kids are loved you can tell that, and her boyfriend loves her and her children i hope they stay together....PLEASE GET THE EPISODE FROM 10 YEARS AGO ON !!!!
    Posted by kirsty on 24/04/2009 16:00:49
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  26. My heart goes out to Kimberley and the difficulties she seems to be constantly facing. She is a loving parent that does her best in the face of suburban poverty. She is trapped in a vicious circle of trying to do the best for her child, trying to find love and lead a happy life with an ever critical and watchful eye of the authorities breathing down her neck. Granted, she has made some poor choices in her search for a partner but this is more to do with the community she lives in. Her whole life has been surrounded by drugs, crime and violence and as she struggles through each day I don't believe she can be held accountable for the way her life has panned out. Kimberley appears to be an intelligent young women who has had to learn how to bring up children before she even knows how to bring up herself. From an early age she was thrown into the deep end. I feel this documentary is a good reflection on how society is broken in these urban suburbs where everybody manages to live but nobody has a life. It is almost like a prison to the world with no way out. Kimberley is clearly depressed because of her circumstances and although she loves her son deeply I can't help feel that she is being punished for decisions she made as a child. Another thing I noticed was her and Harvey’s diet. This is probably one of the most serious problems that all people in her situation have to face. On such a low income she has no choice but to buy poor quality processed food that undoubtedly has a huge impact on her well being. She will never feel her best while living on that rubbish and I personally believe it is the core reason behind her depression, anger and low self-esteem. She cannot be blamed for this because she has not been educated, she has had to make do, so to speak. Also I noticed Harvey had a lot of high sugar sweets that is probably the cause of his hyperactivity which would account for all his bruises. It's very sad because I guess Kimberley buy's him sweets as her way of showing her affection and love which again, is not her fault because it's all she knows. So how can she find the life she dreams of for her and her children? How can anybody in her position escape this vicious circle and lead a happy NORMAL life? I believe as a nation we need to tackle this problem, we have to ask some serious questions and start to take responsibility for this section of society. How have we allowed this to happen? What is wrong with our education system that makes children want to become parents so early in life before they've even lived a life themselves. There is an element of children wanting to be independent and getting pregnant seems to be the only way out for them as they are given there own accommodation. Although it is right that single parents should be housed by their local councils, their is obvious consequences of this and it needs to be revised so children don't look at this as a way of becoming independent. Young teenagers have always rebelled and wanted to be free from their parents so we have to educate early. Right now we have a situation where you get pregnant you get housed, you get pregnant again you get bigger accommodation, you get pregnant again the third time you get a house. If the government gave away a free car to anybody with a broken leg the A and E's would be packed. There's no simple answer but we have to educate more about life and how to be happy we have to educate on how precious life is. This should supersede all academic education. If I could give any advice to Kimberley, it would be to find the courage to start again somewhere else. She needs to leave behind this life and try to find a flat exchange that takes her to somewhere new, away from the London council estates. I know this will not be easy but it is an answer. Maybe then she will find the right prince charming who can restore her confidence and take some pressure off her. Thank you for such an interesting thought provoking documentary.
    Posted by R.Reeve on 24/04/2009 14:40:14
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  27. The song is by sizzla and its called thank you mama
    Posted by emmabee on 24/04/2009 13:15:06
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  28. A good programme. Does anyone know who the song is by at the end when the credits are coming up?!
    Posted by annon on 24/04/2009 11:44:29
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  29. I felt moved to leave a comment about this documentary after watching it last night. It was a brilliant portrayal of the difficulties faced by a young single mum, and I really related to it. Although Kimberley and I come from different backgrounds, I found myself in an abusive relationship at the young age of 18 and a single mother at the age of 20. I lived on benefits in a council flat, put myself through university and went on to establish a successful career in the media. I really remember the huge sense of rage that I had back then and which still exists within me now - the fighter that won't let anyone in. It takes years to be able to have the courage to face those demons but if you channel rage in the right way you can use it to your own advantage and to turn your life around. The main difference between Kimberley and myself is that as a child I had a lower middle class upbringing so the general expectation around me was that I would go to university and make something of my life, single parent or not. But for Kimberley and many other single mums, there are NO expectations. She is simply repeating a reality which she sees all around her. As a result her self esteem and self confidence has hit rock bottom - hence the repeating negative patterns, the anger and aggressiveness. I sincerely hope that Kimberley receives the support and encouragement that she needs to be able to open her heart and trust again. People who make negative comments about the decisions she has made in her life, and the impact that this has had on tax payers money, are simply showing their absolute ignorance of her situation. It's extremely difficult for Kimberley to have enough self esteem for her to believe in any other way of living. Society needs to give single parents a helping hand, to offer support, encouragement and inspitation, not kick them when they are down. Congratulations to the director who made this impressive film x
    Posted by Samantha on 24/04/2009 11:12:53
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  30. i watched this show last night and i was close to tears myself.As much as i respect the child protection services and stuff, i think thst Kim deserves credit for turnign things round the way she has. Harvey looks like a healthy, care free little boy. He is always smiling and laughing and he just seem so happy. That boy is loved and taken care off and that is all that matters.When i watched kims struggle to get him rmoved from the list i couldnt help but wonder about the reasons why he was on it to begin with and i really want to know that Harvey's father was punished for what he did. it just doesnt seem right that Kim has this constant struggle due to the situations that happened with this man and he can just walk away!!!!!! anyway, im sure Kim and Anthony will eventually be the family that shes always wanted and i wish her all the best.
    Posted by Kerri on 24/04/2009 10:42:28
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  31. I think Kimberley needs counselling. All the stuff she has buried under her mattress like that note need to be out in the open and discussed so she can know it wasnt her fault. She didnt want that. She didnt make it happen. Its the life she was thrown into and she hasnt coped very well but she can put it behind her and love. Because she is strong! Rather then backing herself into a corner and being judged she should pick herself up with the love she has for her kids and move on. You cant change the past but you can learn from it and be a better person because of it. Her new family can be closer if she would let her guard down because Anthony seems geniuine! He said he's been hurt as well and for a guy to open up like that is huge. She needs to gather with him and make her little girls life one that has no resemblance to hers, shes already making progress by letting her have access to a sober caring father. I think she is just a frightened girl who doesnt realise someone is genuinely trying to love her. I wish her well and pray that things become a lot better and she can soon stand on her own two feet and get off the benefits so she can live the life she dreamed of rather then this nightmare. My mum is a single parent with 4 kids, she works full time and even though we live in a council house we dont claim benefits or any extra help we are entitled to. The joy of knowing your own money paid for something is what drives her and I think Kimberley can be as content as my mum. It just takes time! All the best Kimberley! Is there any way we can see the first documentary?
    Posted by Nena on 24/04/2009 08:37:28
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  32. I have just watched this programme about Kimberley and my heart goes out to her and her three kids. When she was crying holding her newborn baby I wanted to put my hands through the screen, shake her and say 'FOR GODS SAKE GIRL, LOOK AT THE CHILDREN YOU HAVE - BE HAPPY' The boyfriend she had(s) seemed very geniune, if only she would let him in a little I am sure she could be happy. Unfortunately, I suspect she is her own worst enemy and won't allow her self a little bit of happiness.Probably because she feels she doesn't deserve it. We all have to kiss frogs to find our prince. What I liked about her most is that, she was real. She put on no airs or graces even in the presence of cameras, some may call it ignorance but I truly believe that if 99% of the population were being filmed it would mostly be an act. I know it's hard to be a single mother - I am also one but luckily for me I have a great family and I also work part time so we don't rely on anyone. This doesn't mean we have it easy though, we all have our cross to bear. I hope she one day realises she is worthy of love and allows herself and her children the chance to be happy. Thats all anyone really wants from life. x
    Posted by Keeley on 24/04/2009 00:49:55
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  33. It was nice to see how surprisingly articulate Kimberly is and how hard she works to take care of her kids and get by on so little. I really hope her trust issues and temper don't sabotage her efforts to get into a better situation.
    Posted by Oisín on 24/04/2009 00:33:57
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  34. What an inspirational young woman. One of the comments suggested a fund of some kind to help this young mum, I think that would be a fantastic idea. Kimberley you a wonderful young girl and a great mum, when you were hiding the Thomas the tank engine christmas present, you made me laught so much. Good luck to you and your lovely family for the future, keep your head high and be proud. God Bless Mary
    Posted by Mary on 23/04/2009 23:35:46
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  35. I really enjoyed this documentary follow-up on Kimberley. I admire her for how she has proved herself to be a loving caring Mum. She now has to learn to trust Ant, and realise that there are some good men around. I really hope she can see how much he seems to love her and her new baby daughter, and also her son. I have a grown-up daughter, who also fell pregnant at sixteen, but she is now 33 yrs old and has been happily married for ten years to a lovely man who took her and my lovely grand-daughter on. She now has two young boys as well. Kimberley you are an inspiration to young girls. I hope you find true happiness in your life and wish you well.
    Posted by sassycarole on 23/04/2009 23:14:36
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  36. i found this incredibly moving. i'm a single mum of 2 kids with 2 different dads.our lives are worlds apart in many ways but kimberley was v honest about the challenges that face you as a single mum and the difficulty of escaping from harsh teenage years. i thought the juxtaposition between 9 years ago and now was heartbreaking. it seemed at the end she could still not move forwards because of the damage done by her past. i hope the same doesn't happen to me. i would love to know what happens next. well done to the film-maker; and i'm sure she keeps the kids.
    Posted by star on 23/04/2009 23:00:04
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  37. I was very moved by Kimberley. My mother was a single parent on benefits so I broke the pattern by not having any children. I had my tubes tied at 26. I had to have this done privately. I am now mortgage free and have travelled the world but part of me will always be in the free school dinner queue. I often get accused of being selfish and materialistic by people from comfortable middle class backgrounds. Kimberley is creating a family unit for herself with the State as her husband where she will have a roof over her head and regular small income. What people need to understand that if someone like Kimberley pulls herself up and receives training to enter the job market she will be in an alien environment with people who have grown up in a traditional set up.She will be looked down upon for her backgroundwhatever she achieves. Middle class people are always moaning about chavs sponging of the system but a chav who makes a go of things without state held is viewed with hatred. Young girls need to believe that they don't need a baby to define themselve and be given training in job and life skills to earn their own money travel own a house and car. The childfree option is a good way to escape a deprived background if you can cope with the snobbishness and resentment.
    Posted by Diana on 23/04/2009 22:29:23
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  38. Programme showed what intelligence and strength she has as well as everything she is up against. What really came through was how much she loves Harvey and still managed to find a nice decent man to have another baby with (accidentally)- hope she and him can stay together and be happy and strong for all 3 children...dont know if she will break free of her old demons without help though it can be done (I speak from experience, though am blessed with enough support around me) hope she and her young family get all the support they deserve....so they can thrive. I wanted to say to her: What ever happened when you were a kid weren't your fault, girl- and most of it since wasnt either. Just dont become an agressor urself and accept love when its staring you in the face.
    Posted by single mum north of the river on 23/04/2009 22:28:34
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  39. Kimberley presented as a sincere, caring, loving young woman who was determined to face up to the responsibilities involved in having children and trying to maintain positive relationships with loved ones throughout various trials and tribulations. I admire her openness, her honesty and spirit. I was particularly moved at her heartfelt, poignant comments on how she felt when her youngest child was taken from her and placed in care - saying that it was as though her air supply was cut off; her heart cut out from her, etc. Kimberley, I wish you and your family every happiness and a positive future together. Your very direct commentary was sometimes shocking,and at other times refreshing. The very best of luck to you and yours.
    Posted by maggiemoo on 23/04/2009 22:20:50
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  40. why is it that every documentry on the tv to do with young mums is focused on the ones that cannot cope and have social servies involved in there lifes. no wonder young mums get looked down on by certain people. if you keep highlighting the bad mums and the problems, the rest of us young mums dont stand a chance of people treating us with a little respect. im a 18yr old mum of one, hes 15month old and he's my world his dad doesnt play a part in his life but thats fine lifes easier without him. iv been through domestic violence aswell but i dont let it control my life. the differnce between me and kimberley is that im focused on my son not the next time im going to have sex. please give us GOOD young mums a chance thats to all the british public
    Posted by on 23/04/2009 22:20:38
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  41. I have just watched the episode and have been truely touched by it, Kimberley has obviously got so many personal problems which I feel really need to be dealt with before her way of thinking and lack of self esteem passes onto her children. I myself am a young mum, I work in social care and see the worst of the worst mums. I often feel very frustrated with the awful image that the media portrays as we really aren't all like that...but I have to admit that it is unfortunatley a true image of far too many young mums. Kimberley is exactly the kind of young mum that I see on the bus, on a daily basis swearing at their children and it was refreshing to see the more gentle, caring side. It's such a shame that parenting classes aren't taught in schools...let's be honest which is more useful for girls like Kimberley, science and maths...or abit of child psychology and being taught how to deal with a tantrum? Her little boy seemed like a happy, bright little boy and I really hope that life turns out well for the whole family, they deserve it. Katy :)
    Posted by K_Doll on 23/04/2009 22:18:17
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  42. Have just watched this. . . I know Kimberley will get bad press just as she did 10 Years ago. Just need to say ,the poor girl has had a hard time-and felt heart broken for her when the credits came up at the end. She seems stuck in a rut-The services that keep threating to take her children,should be the ones helping her! Helping her to look at education-or job skills. This will help her with not only anger issues but a new social world where she is not on her own. I just want to tell her life gets better. On my own just out of a marriage-Lifes not all grime.Have own home,job and two beautiful,clever, funny teenage girls one just about to start at college. I would be heartbroken if either of my children had the same luck as Kimberley. Thats what it is bad luck-I would never think my children couldn't get in the same situation.Thankfully they have not. I wish her all the luck in the world and in 10 years time hope we see her in a nice home,with lots of support. More importantly we would like to see her happy-My love to Kimberley,and things do get better.
    Posted by Selina on 23/04/2009 22:17:41
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  43. Just want to say that I found yself in the same sittuation as kimberly but everything worked out for me in the end .Just want Kimberly to no that if you keep working hard lke you are you will be ok (your a good mum and dont ley any one tell you aint!).Keep smileing girl and dont let em get you down!
    Posted by al on 23/04/2009 22:14:37
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  44. Wow, a really insightful and moving programme. Really makes you realise the challenges she faces and what help she needs to overcome them. Probably more than simple money benefits and social services child protection chasing her.
    Posted by Joanna on 23/04/2009 22:12:48
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  45. Thought this documentary was a true reflection of what many of our young mothers have to go through. I am just writing this on the off chance that Kimberley may read this: I think that you are a very strong young women, you have been faced with many struggles and challenges within your life and you are now making the best of your situation. You have proved that you are a good mother to social services but I want you to know that for us watching it that it was very evident that you love and care very much for your son, as you now do for your daughter. I truly wish you and your family all the best for the future, you are braver than you think and you should be very proud of what you have achieved. (Social Worker from N.Ireland)
    Posted by Moya on 23/04/2009 22:12:32
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  46. i watched this show.... this lady is brave and stronger than most... where can i watch her first filming of her life?
    Posted by de on 23/04/2009 22:11:57
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  47. I really would love to know how it all turned out for kimberley and her kids - I wanted the film to have a happy ending after everything she and harvey had been through.
    Posted by cc on 23/04/2009 22:11:22
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  48. Its good viewing but it only shows one side I am the copy of this young girl after 3 children a long history of bad relationships I realised I needed to turn my life around as a single parent i trained and now have a job in the city at age 13 They said i had the learning of a 8 year old i still have problems with trust but sometimes it takes for you to be at the bottom to get the strengh to work your way up I hope this doc is shown every year to see the progress made and I wish her all the best all the world she ain't alone.
    Posted by Janet on 23/04/2009 22:10:33
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  49. What an inspirational film - a lovely girl who clearly needs help with trust and anger but such a lovely Mummy- would be nice to set up a fund to help her and her little kids.
    Posted by claramara on 23/04/2009 22:10:19
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  50. "Cutting edge takes an unflinching look..." - I don't think so. This documentary is very passive, almost fly on the wall, and quite unlike the attitude that would be taken, for example, to a company polluting a river. "It's my body and I should be able to do what I want" - The question that should have been put to Kimberley is "What makes you think you have the right to bring an unlimited number of babies into this world and demand that other people, tax payers, pay for them?". The failure to ask this question is itself political.
    Posted by Peter on 23/04/2009 22:09:21
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  51. I have just watched the 10 years on documentary - I didn't see the first one. I didn't think I was going to like Kimberley much after seeing the trailer, but I was actually really impressed with her. I think she is a good mum to Harvey and am sure will be to her new baby girl too. I hope some day she will be able to have a relationship with her older son. I do hope she and Anthony make a proper go of it as a family and I wish them all well XX
    Posted by Emma on 23/04/2009 22:09:12
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  52. I just want to say to Kimberley that I think she is doing a brilliant job with her kids and she is a true figher and it is obvious that she would do anything for her babies. Well done x
    Posted by Louise - Leicester on 23/04/2009 22:07:11
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  53. Having just watched the programme of Kim, i just think she is such a good person at heart its just that due to her circumstances she is under so much stress. Because of her previous experiences of men, which she stated, has now made it so difficult for her to trust men. I truely hope that she has a happy life with her whole family, and that times get easier for her. I hope this is an eye opener for those who want to have children at a young age, as well as those who don't recognise the problems women like Kim face every day. However i know that no ones life is easy and that we all have to deal with different issues, yet i really hope Kim will enjoy her life.
    Posted by Jess on 23/04/2009 22:06:13
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  54. would of thought they would of told us if she got to keep her children or not
    Posted by xxnataliexx on 23/04/2009 22:05:12
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  55. I have to say I am , as per usual extremely annoyed and offended how yet again a young single mother is portrayed on tv.For the record I myslef am a single mother of 3 daughters...the first of which i had a the age of 17 and i had my third when i was 23 and I have been through many of the same struggles and hardships through the journey of bringing them up, but I have to say that I have never ever done anything but put my children first before anything else! why is it always put forward that because we were young we automatically can't cope and and are too moronic to keep our children and raise them ? I have bought up 3 incredible beautiful children mostly by myself which involved a period of time in an incredibly difficult and violent relationship.Maybe if you helped young mothers out of the difficult situations they are in instead of slamming a taboo on them there would not be so many cases in social services resulting in uneccesary removal of children !programmes like this infuriate me ...as it immediatly lands me with a horrible stigma which i do not deserve!
    Posted by lilmissbecks on 23/04/2009 22:04:33
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  56. God i was just googling this the other day! Can't believe it, i got goosebumps when i saw the advert for it. It was spooky.I remember seeing it all those years ago and was wondering what happened to this girl. She was her so in love with this DJ lad who used to do shout outs on the radio for her and she would be over the moon. I'm sure she lived in Camberwell- i searched and searched for it but came up with nothing. It'll be really interesting to see whats happened over the years.
    Posted by Angela on 21/04/2009 21:42:07
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  57. Would love to see the 1st part on here too!!
    Posted by Paul on 21/04/2009 14:19:17
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  58. " I totally agree i havent seen the 1st part and would love to be able to watch from the begining to see how her life has moved on within those 10 years, !!! thanks kat
    Posted by kat on 21/04/2009 01:10:30
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  59. How do you go about getting a copy of the first show ......it would be good to watch the 1st prior to the 10 year later catchup?? Many thanks
    Posted by Leah Bailey on 15/04/2009 22:59:28
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