Family support
Resources for lone parents about the issues surrounding family support.
Bereavement factsheet
This factsheet gives a summary of the financial support available when a husband, wife, or civil partner dies. It also includes a list of support organisations and a short reading list.
Downloads
Holiday Trust Funds
A list of trusts which provide money for holidays to eligible persons.
Please read the following information carefully and ensure that your circumstances match the criteria before applying. Most applications need to be made by a third party such as a Social Worker, GP, Health Visitor or someone in a similar profession or position.
Please Note: This factsheet is currently being updated, and will be available soon.
Holidays
A list of organisations which specialise in holidays for single parents and their children.
Downloads
Lone Fathers (parents with care & non-resident parents)
Information about parental responsibilities & rights.
Parental responsibilities are what children have the right to expect from their parents and what parents must do for their children. Parental rights help parents meet their parental responsibilities. The law states that you should ask your children what they think about major decisions that effect them.
Maternity rights factsheet
This factsheet covers maternity rights at work and benefits you are entitled to if you are not working. It also looks at legal issues for unmarried parents. Maternity rights are complicated, and this factsheet gives only a brief outline.
(This factsheet is part of the OPFS Lone Parent's Rights Guide.)
Trusts for individual and family needs
Details of trusts which provide funds for individual and family needs based on specific criteria.
Please ensure you meet the criteria of the Trust Fund to which you are applying. Most applications need to be made by a third party such as a social worker, GP, minister, health visitor or someone in a similar position or profession.
Useful addresses factsheet
A list of useful organisations and agencies for lone parents.
(This factsheet is part of the OPFS Lone Parent's Rights Guide.)
Downloads
Links:
Action for Sick Children Scotland and ‘Young Parents Speak Out’ DVD
Action for Sick Children Scotland’s Child Health Rights Project in Tayside has produced a DVD ‘Young Parents Speak Out’. The DVD is primarily aimed at Tayside young parents, although is relevant to all young parents.
It seeks to support young parents in appropriate access to healthcare services for themselves and their babies, informing them about their (and their babies’) healthcare rights and responsibilities. The DVD also features young parents talking about issues such as attendance at ante-natal classes and their relationships with healthcare professionals such as midwives and health visitors. There are messages for young parents but also for healthcare practitioners, making it suitable for use as a staff training resource for those who work with young parents, either in a healthcare capacity or social context.
Play Talk Read
Playing, Talking and Reading with your child can give them a great start in life. The website has lots of play ideas for you and your wee one. You can also meet new friends, get free stuff, win baby goodies, share photos and videos and find out about free events in your area. Have even more fun from day one with Play Talk Read!