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

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News Features and latest news

Lone Parent Rights Guide: Essential information for lone parents - 30th April 2009

Rights guide factsheets

Our Lone Parent Rights Guide factsheets are now available, updated for 2009.

These 12 factsheets contain essential information on a range of issues for lone parents and organisations working with lone parents including benefits, tax credits, maternity rights, legal issues, childcare and maintenance.

Are you a lone parent and want to return to work? - 1st June 2009

Would a 3-day work preparation training combined with a 2-week work experience with Marks & Spencer help you to reach that goal?
If the answer is yes, you may be interested in our Marks and Start Return to Work programme starting on 8th September 2009.

More Welfare Reform changes being introduced this year - 20th May 2009

From October 2009, lone parents whose youngest child is 10 years old or older will no longer be entitled to Income Support and instead will have to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).

Advice Only One Phone Call Away for Worried Mums

The government is introducing changes to lone parent’s benefits so that people with younger children have to look for work as a condition of claiming benefit. OPFS, Scotland’s only dedicated lone parent organisation, has produced a fact sheet "Lone Parents: Changes to Income Support & Jobseeker’s Allowance" to provide worried lone parents with more information.

The Parent Trap: Covering childcare costs while studying - 8th December 2008

Lone parents have been struggling to find funding to cover their childcare costs while studying at college this year.