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.

By December 2008, Barclaycard had invested over £4m in Horizons which has supported over 130,000 lone parents and their children. Our aim is to invest a further £3m over the next couple of years and reach a further 400,000 lone parents and their children through a programme of debt advice, financial literacy training, grants for education and training and our employability programme.

It is a completely free programme that brings together the knowledge, expertise and vast experience of three of the UK’s charities - Citizens Advice Bureau, Family Action 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.

Andrea Hughes

Community Affairs Manager, Barclaycard

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 three partners –
Citizens Advice, Family Action 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.

Horizons is a registered trade mark of Barclays Bank PLC.