How can I help young neighbour?

I agree, what a nice neighbour you are. When I was a mum, I was overwhelmed just with my husband away all day at work. this poor young lass has no support or respite and obviously trying to educate herself and better her and her daughters lot. I’d offer baby sitting, even if it’s in their home and you watch telly and play games with baby, and batch cook some food. A simple Thai chicken curry maybe that reheats well? Spaghetti sauce? The guy sounds like a right so and so. Maybe sit on the porch like an old cowboy and threaten him off with your rifle (garden hose) if he returns?

You sound like you’re doing plenty already, I’d have loved to have had a neighbor like you, when I was young .

Just knowing there’s someone there she can rely on, must be such a comfort to her

I think the fact that you care about them both must already be helping Orangedog
Some other good ideas on here, help with baby sitting whilst Mum studies, have them over for a meal. Don't overdo it though as your neighbour needs to remain independent.
She is lucky to have such a caring neighbour/friend.

I really like Doodles idea of relocating his possessions then she wont have to face him.

Other than that , just being kind and supportive is perfect. Perhaps offer to have the little one whilst she gets some study in and reassure both of them they have someone who cares.

Good luck,

Could you have the child, or take her out so she doesn't see the partner come & go again? If that's a good idea (non-parent here).

You sound such a kind person. What about offering to put ‘his’ possessions in your garage or shed so he doesn’t have to go into her house to get them. As others have said, offer to babysit her daughter but mostly I think just continue to be you as you sound so kind and thoughtful I am sure she will be comforted by having you to talk to.

Orangedog, what a kind neighbor you are! You, too, Oldandverygrey!

So sorry for what these young women are going through! And to disrupt someone's life just before exams, how cruel!

I think you've been given excellent advice, Orangedog. Can't add anymore, except if everyone keeps telling the child it's not her fault, eventually, she'll probably come to believe it. And, of course, be as kind to her as possible, and praise her whenever possible to build her confidence.

Be available, to listen but not to pass judgement.
Offer to have her small daughter if she has exams looming, or babysit and make a quiet space available in your house for her to revise.
Offer to 'be about', ie in the garden when he comes to collect his things so she knows someone is within calling distance if necessary.
Check she is OK each day as unobtrusively as possible.
Kind of you.

Orangedog - I am in a similar situation to yourself, two children under a year old in this case. I offer to shop, iron and do anything I can to make my neighbour's life easier.

At this early stage nothing you say or do will have much of an impact if any as the young girl's head will be all over the place. If you're in any position at all to perhaps have the youngster for the odd hour or two until her mother sorts her head/thoughts out then you could try offering your help in that way ?

Most importantly I think you can just be there! It must be a relief to at least have a supportive neighbour.