Local beauticians, Leigh Elliott and Sarah Rees, who have recently set up their own business called Perfection in Merthyr town centre, were at a Jobcentre Plus information day for lone parents on Tuesday (16th), giving mums and dads the chance to be pampered.

The event, held at Merthyr Rugby Club, attracted 80 people and aimed to encourage lone parents, who had taken time out of their working lives to raise a family, to get back into work and be better-off financially, mentally and socially.

Having recently come through the 'New Deal for Lone Parents' scheme themselves, Leigh, 30, and Sarah, 32, are fully aware of how big a decision it is for parents to return to work.

"You get stuck in a routine," said Sarah, mum to nine-year-old Lewis. "But once the children are at school full-time, it gives you time to do things for yourself."

"Having Lewis motivated me to better myself and my qualifications, so I could get a good job."

It was on a Beauty Therapy course at Merthyr College, two years ago, that Sarah met Leigh, who has two children: son McCauley, ten, and daughter Charley, seven. It was Leigh's idea that the pair start up in business together.

With both women living solely off Income Support, they were referred by Jobcentre Plus to Working Links, who helped them create a business plan, and provided them with funding for advertising, products, clothing, insurance, and even extra training - both Leigh and Sarah have a diploma in Holistic Therapies.

"They helped us with everything," said Leigh. "If there are any other parents out there thinking of doing the same kind of thing I'd say to just go for it. Don't think twice. Don't wait."

"I'm better off financially, but I've also been able to meet more people, and I've got a lot more confidence now."

Sarah added:
"I also get help with childcare costs, which I need for over the school holidays, and because I work on Saturdays."

And as both women had been on Income Support for longer than 52 weeks, and are now working more than 16 hours per week, they also benefit from an extra £40 per week - for a year - on top of their working tax credit, child tax credit, and housing benefits.

Jobcentre Plus adviser, Lisa Sullivan, said:
"Leigh and Sarah are role models for other lone parents. Their success is the reason we asked them to attend the information day in Merthyr last week, and I hope other parents can look at what they've achieved and be encouraged to go back to work themselves.

"They can either contact Jobseeker Direct on 0845 6060234, visit the customer section of this website, or call in at their local Jobcentre Plus office."