A New Deal Lone Parent Adviser from Minehead Jobcentre Plus will be on board the special Play Bus - which regularly tours West Somerset - from 10th to 13th February. Shirley Jordan will be available during this particular week to provide advice to lone parents on training, childcare, financial incentives and work opportunities.

The converted double-decker bus, operated by the charity CLOWNS, (Creating Learning Opportunities in Western Somerset for Children and Adults,) provides recreational and educational facilities for children and their parents and carers in parts of West Somerset.

The main aim of the bus is to provide an opportunity for children of pre-school age to play and learn in a safe, stimulating environment. Meanwhile, their parents or carers have the chance to have a coffee and chat – and have a look at the information on board.

This information includes details of the New Deal for Lone Parents, a programme run by Jobcentre Plus, which can help lone parents return to the work market and find suitable jobs to fit in with domestic arrangements. New Deal Personal Adviser Shirley Jordan said: “The New Deal leaflets often get the parents chatting, so I will be particularly pleased to be on board the bus to give people the information they need first hand.”

She went on: “Of course, anyone who wants to know more and can’t visit the bus at one of the times I’m there should get in touch with me at the Minehead Jobcentre Plus Office. I’m there on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and my number is 01643 435814. For an appointment, call the freephone number on 0800 783 9870.”

The details of the tour are:

Tuesday 10th February

• 10-12 noon the recreation car park Carhampton
• 1-3 pm Harepark, Allerford

Wednesday 11th February

• 10-12 noon Dunster steep car park

Thursday 12th February

• 10 -12 Wheddon Cross side of Timberscombe (layby)
• 1.15 -3.15 Rest and be Thankful public house car park Wheddon Cross

Friday 13th February

• Cleeve Abbey car park 10-12noon