Jobcentre Plus is organising a series of special events across the Tees Valley so that lone parents can find out more about the support available to help them move into work. The first event will take place on Wednesday 7 March at Norton Grange Community Centre in Stockton.  

The events are part of an awareness campaign aimed at lone parents to encourage them to find out how much better off they can be in work. At each event, Jobcentre Plus Lone Parent advisers will be on hand throughout the day to explain what financial support there is to return to work and the help with childcare costs that lone parents may be eligible for. A range of other organisations will also be there, to give advice on training courses and to explain what childcare options there are in the local area.

Denise Nixon, a Jobcentre Plus Lone Parent Adviser said: “I see lots of people who are bringing up children on their own and want to get into work but feel that there’s something getting in the way, such as not being able to find someone to look after the kids, or thinking that they won’t be any better off if they do find a job. They might not have worked for a while and their skills might be a bit rusty. “But whatever it is that’s stopping them from working, there is lots of help available, whether it’s advice on training or help with putting a CV together or preparing for an interview. These events are being organised so that lone parents can find out more about the support available that best suits them and their family.“

To find out more about the events and about the help available to get back into work, contact the Lone Parent Adviser at your Jobcentre Plus office or call 08000 324 224.