Four out of five young mothers feel lonely after having a baby and meet their friends less often, a new study shows.

Research by the Co-op found that many mothers under the age of 30 feel too tired to go out, or simply want to stay with their baby.

Almost two-thirds cited lack of money, while two out of five said the hassle of arranging childcare stopped them going out and socialising.

The Co-op and British Red Cross, who have been working together to tackle loneliness, have recruited family support charity Home-Start to expand community groups aimed at helping young mothers.

Paul Gerrard, campaigns director at the Co-op, said: "People do not think of young mothers as being susceptible to being lonely but our research clearly highlights that it is a major problem."

Vivien Waterfield, deputy chief executive of Home-Start UK, said: "Having a baby changes your life in so many ways - and it can be a really lonely time, especially for younger mums when they don't have networks of support around them.

"It can have a huge impact on their mental health and well-being.

"The number of mums telling us they are lonely or isolated has been increasing in recent years to almost one in two of all mums using Home-Start services."