Almost 50% of lone parents are currently unemployed – many would like to return to work but are faced by a host of personal and practical barriers preventing their transition into sustainable employment.

Lone Parent Discovery Weeks and Mentoring has the potential to change this situation, giving Lone Parents the opportunity to explore their skills, abilities and interests, as well as looking at the benefits of working for themselves and their families.

Discovery Weeks are intensive developmental periods, delivered over 5 days and scheduled around school hours.

The programme is designed to stimulate ideas surrounding lifestyle changes, personal development and independence, achievable through employment.

We ensure participation from a range of local employers, arranging site visits and work shadowing, as well as engaging with local service providers and peer networks to connect Lone Parents with support in areas such as health, housing and childcare.

Lone Parent Mentoring will be delivered through one-to-one sessions, group mentoring and peer mentoring and aimed specifically at those who require additional support to overcome barriers to employment.

Mentoring will focus on issues such as emotional and relationship problems, debt management and housing or childcare.

We engage Lone Parents through a number of innovative events, including coffee mornings, open days and aromatherapy sessions.

Lone Parent Discovery Weeks and Mentoring are available to those who have a child under the age of 16, who are currently unemployed and not participating in New Deal for Lone Parents (NDLP).

The programme will be delivered to the West Midlands Metropolitan area, with a particular focus on the areas of:
· Bartley Green
· Kingstanding
· Nechells
· North Solihull
· Small Heath
· Sparkbrook
· Washwood Heath

For further information, please contact Lindsay Jones on 0121 503 4650 or Freephone 0800 197 1402.