Supporting parents into work and training
Are you working, looking for work or need childcare support?
Working for Families is a Council-run project which supports families just like you by helping parents overcome barriers to taking up a job or training course.
A team of advisers work with parents on a one-to-one basis to help them arrange childcare to fit job or college plans.
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They are based in local communities and meet with parents at a workplace, nursery or other community locations to offer friendly, practical advice and support to help your family.
Parents with childcare responsibilities who may be eligible for support should:
- have a low household income, whether employed or unemployed
- have other stresses in the household which are a barrier to their progression
- be a lone parent who needs support prior to taking up New Deal.
Help comes in the form of:
- support with job applications, interviews and CVs
- practical support to source childcare, explore options and fund childcare during transitions to work or training
- advice and referrals to specialist services if required
- money and benefits solutions
- transition funding to support additional expenses related to work or training opportunities
- support to help improve jobs and income for those in work.
Anne's Story Anne, a parent from North Edinburgh, is a success story with a brand new job after ten years of being unemployed. She benefited from the integrated package of support and specialist advice on childcare options to accommodate her working hours. Her son has settled in well to the new arrangements and is even more proud of his mum now that she is working. | In focus... The Working for Families project is also encouraging businesses to look at the ways they operate and become more ‘family focused’. This could be through using flexible or compressed hours, or job-sharing such as the Council is currently offering. Working for Families is funded by the Scottish Executive for a two-year period and is managed by the Council. |
For further information and support from Working for Families in Edinburgh call freephone number 0800 432 0044 or e-mail: workingforfamilies@edinburgh.gov.uk or visit: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/workingforfamilies
Meet the team Meet the Working for Families team and find out more at the South Edinburgh Family Fun Day on Monday 23 October at Gracemount Leisure Centre from 11-3pm. This free event is open to all families in south Edinburgh. Activities for parents and children include:
- beat the goalie
- bouncy castle
- face painting
- fitness taster sessions
- football coaching
- health and fitness testing
- prize draw – win some great family prizes!
- stress busting tips
- sumo wrestling.
Octobus – the childrens’ playbus for under 12s will be in the car park and open for sessions which can be booked on the day. There is a crèche and refreshments are available. Information about Working for Families, Childcare Connections and Edinburgh Leisure will also be available. |