Photo of lone parent with child

Promoting supportive policies and services for lone parents and their children.

One Parent Families Scotland works to ensure that all families, particularly those headed by a lone parent, have the support, information and confidence needed to play a full part in Scotland's economic and social life.

Have your say

We at One Parent Families Scotland are keen to hear your views on issues affecting you.

Here are the discussions we are currently holding.

Welfare Reform tightens its grip on lone parents

The Westminster government's welfare reform programme is increasing the pressure on lone parents to look for work. From 26th October 2009, lone parents whose youngest child is 10 or over will no longer be able to make a new or repeat claim Income Support as a lone parent.

Escalating Childcare Costs

Do you have trouble paying for your childcare?
The Daycare Trust claim that childcare costs are rising nationally above the rate of inflation with parents paying more than £8,000 per annum.

Free lone parent helpline: 0808 801 0323

We run the Lone Parent Helpline - a free, independent helpline for lone parents and anyone affected by the issues surrounding one parent families.

Freephone 0808 801 0323

www.loneparenthelpline.info

Stay updated

Parent and child with papers

Stay up to date with the latest news from One Parent Families Scotland by subscribing to our enewsletter.

Sign up to our enewsletter

News Features and latest news

Employment Support Allowance (ESA) changes - 21st July 2009

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is the new benefit paid to people whose ability to work is limited due to ill health or disability. From the 27th of October, 2008 it replaced both Incapacity Benefit (IB) and Income Support (IS), paid on the grounds of incapacity for work.

Horizons 'Your Work' Programme November 2010 - 27th July 2010

Employability and Work Placement Programme for Lone Parents living within Glasgow with children of a dependant age.
Lunch, childcare and travel costs provided.
Starts in November 2010.
More details can be found in the downloadable document below.
Call Lee Anthony for further information: 0141 847 0444

Lone Parents: Know Your Rights at Work!

With increasing numbers of lone parents being encouraged to return to employment under the government's welfare reform, it is vital to understand your rights and obligations as an employee.

childcare@home Aberdeenshire 5th Birthday Party - 20th July 2010

Maureen Rennie (centre) with Laura Miller (left) and Diane Sim (right)

childcare@home Aberdeenshire recently celebrated 5 years of service provision to families in Aberdeenshire with a party at their offices in Kemnay. The event was well attended by families, children and staff along with representatives from Aberdeenshire Childcare Partnership, Aberdeenshire Council Social Work, Surestart and Working for Families, and One Parent Families Scotland's HQ office and projects across Scotland. Maria Clark, former Convenor of OPFS's Board of Directors, was kind enough to attend to cut the birthday cake and give the speech.

Information Assistant (Future Jobs Fund post for 6 months)

Salary: 
£5.80 per hour
Location: 
Edinburgh headquarters
Hours: 
25
Closing date: 
Tuesday, 10 August 2010 - 4pm

We have a vacancy at our Edinburgh office for an Information Assistant, funded through the Future Jobs Fund. This is a hotspot vacancy. The criteria to be eligible for this job is :-
18-24 claiming Jobseekers allowance for at least 6 months
25+ Claiming Jobseekers allowance for at least 9 months.
Any age claiming ESA for 9 months
Any age claiming Income Support for 9 months
Any age claiming Incapacity Benefit for 9 months
You must also live in a hotspot area

Please visit jobcentre to check your eligibility and for referral.

The Information Assistant will assist in collecting information about the ways in which we help families in Scotland and will also be involved in helping us to use relevant research information.

Interested applicants who are eligible should contact Rory Ross on 0131-556-3899 or e mail us : info@opfs.org.uk.