About the Barclaycard Horizons Programme

Bringing up children is undoubtedly one of life’s most rewarding experiences but as I’m sure you are well aware, it’s also one of the most challenging, particularly for one parent families. Today, there are around 1.9 million lone parents in the UK raising three million children, so as you can see, you’re not alone.

That‘s why back in 2005 Barclaycard developed Horizons, specifically to help one parent families.

“It is hugely encouraging to see business and charity working together in this way. This collaborative approach will make an enormous difference to the emotional and financial hardship that many lone parents and their children face.”
Then Chancellor Gordon Brown, Horizons Launch, 2005
 

Barclaycard had invested over £7m in Horizons which has supported over 650,000 lone parents and their children.

It is a completely free programme that brings together the knowledge, expertise and vast experience of Citizens Advice Bureau, Family Action, OPFS and Gingerbread.

With our support and their combined understanding of the needs of lone parents, we’re confident that we can make a real difference to their lives.

Why has Barclaycard developed Horizons?

Horizons is part of Barclaycard’s commitment to being a responsible lender.

In the UK lone parents and their children are at the greatest risk of poverty and Barclaycard was therefore instrumental in setting up the Horizons programme to support disadvantaged lone parents in making the transition out of debt and poverty.

Utilising the skills and experience of our partners –
Citizens Advice, Family Action, OPFS and
Gingerbread - Horizons seeks to improve the skills and confidence of lone parents, making them more able to manage their finances, improve their job prospects and support their children.

Family Action chief executive Helen Dent CBE said “Working with Barclaycard Horizons to deliver the Your Education programme enables us to help thousands of lone parents and their children have a brighter and more secure future. We are very happy indeed to be supporting these inspirational parents to achieve their goals.”

“The Horizons programme has created a flourishing and long term partnership with Barclaycard which has delivered significant opportunities in other areas of Citizens Advice financial education work, and delivering real results nationally for thousands of people who most need our help” John Rhodes, Head of Financial Capability, Citizens Advice

"Most single parents want to work but often need the right support & opportunities. Your Work provides the perfect chance for them to move forward towards their goals. It is a tribute to Barclaycard's commitment to single parent families that Your Work will expand to reach 1,000 parents. We look forward to working with Barclaycard to continue the programmes success."Gingerbread, CEO Fiona Weir

External stakeholders are aware of and supportive of Horizons.
Over the years we have discussed Horizons with many stakeholders, we recently had Ed Balls (Then Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families) into Barclaycard to discuss Horizons and meet the colleagues involved.

Horizons is a registered trade mark of Barclays Bank PLC.