NO man is an island – oh, and it takes a village.

The truth of these was rammed home to me in a frustrating week which began with one of those irritating little incidents outside a local supermarket.

I was trying to move my wriggly child from one big trolley into another big trolley – the first one didn’t have safety straps – but trying to manoeuvre someone’s little feet is a feat!

The trolley kept moving, I kept trying and my poor old corroded back discs were in agony. But it was made so much worse by the woman who stood watching me, irritated that I was temporarily blocking her path to a trolley.

If only she’d performed the little favour of holding mine still so I could get my daughter in, then we’d all have been on our way a lot quicker.

Her impatient scorn instead just made me want to cry, scream, or both. Having moved to England almost nine years ago from Northern Ireland, I have learned to expect less kindness from strangers.

Don’t get me wrong, there are lots of lovely people around, but there’s a reticence that I really had to get used to. When I walk the dog at home, I exchange a smile and cheery hello with everyone I pass, but it’s just not the same in this part of the country.

For whatever reason, everyone’s a little more wary to extend the hand, and it makes me more than a little sad. As for it taking a village, I have always felt slightly isolated being this far away from my family and close friends, ever more so since the birth of little madam, given that her grandparents on my husband’s side aren’t very involved.

Raising a child really does need the contribution of others, so that she grows up as a supported and fully contributing member of society.

Thankfully, we know all of our fantastic neighbours – 83-year-old M opposite looks after the cat and fed my husband when I having my surgery!

I was also blessed to meet two mums who have truly been lifesavers throughout what’s been a really tough 18 months.

M and S – and just like that great British company, they’re top quality and completely reliable – have given me perspective, thanks to difficulties they experienced having their own babies, and have become like family in the sense that they are there for support in the tough, terrible and the terrific times, too.

One of the highlights of my week is our venting session post-Pilates, and I can say without exaggeration that I would have been lost without them.

Ladies, this one’s for you.