Money
There are twelve bureaux directly involved in the programme located in: the Midlands, Cardiff, East London and Essex, the North West and North East.
For more details click to see participating bureaux. These twelve bureaux are responsible for the programme in their areas but if you live outside these areas you will still get ‘money related’ advice at your local CAB. Contact details for your local CAB can be found in the Yellow Pages and on www.adviceguide.org.uk.
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31
Yes, you can access individual support around specific money problems you are experiencing.
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7
No, it is completely free!
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6
Yes, the Citizens Advice website provides some useful advice on dealing with debt.
www.adviceguide.org.uk
National Debtline is extremely sympathetic towards debt related problems and has a dedicated helpline offering free, confidential and independent advice. Freephone 0808 808 4000‡ (calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free if made from a UK landline)
You’ll also find the National Debtline website offers all sorts of helpful advice and information on dealing with debt and managing your money.
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
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5
Childcare may be available for the group sessions. Please contact the bureaux for further details.
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6
The programme is specifically for lone parents bringing up children on their own.
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6
Education
You must be a lone parent and applicants must be British citizens or have refugee status, indefinite leave to remain, discretionary leave to remain or have been granted humanitarian protection.
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9
No, only costs related to Education courses. However, Family Action does provide grants to fund other essential needs.
Almost any kind of need can be met through the wide variety of trusts administered by Family Action. Clothing, fuel bills and household needs such as beds, cookers, washing machines etc. are most commonly requested from our general grants programme.
If you’re interested in knowing more about Family Action’s grants programme please click here.
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5
There is no standard grant; each applicant’s circumstances are assessed individually. The amount of the grant can vary from £500 to a maximum of £1,000 per year.
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5
The good news is support is available to help low income lone parents pay for course fees and other associated costs.
If you are trying to find out about financial support for further education contact:
Learning and Skills Council Tel: 0870 900 6800
If you are trying to find out about financial support for higher education contact:
Student Loans Company Tel: 0800 405 010 (calls to 0800 numbers are free if made from a UK landline).
In addition, Family Action can provide information on educational trusts that may be able to help.
To find out click here
You can also contact Family Action on 020 7254 6251 (Tuesday – Thursday, 2pm – 4pm only) and they will tell you the grants that are available.
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5
Work
No, formal qualifications aren’t necessary, just a desire to try to move into employment in the near future.
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5
We can guide you about this when you call. We can also help you to pay for it during the period the course runs.
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7
We’ll give you lots of help and advice on this during the course. In addition either Citizens Advice or the
Job Centre Plus will be able to help you work out whether you’ll be better off going back to work.
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5
It’s totally free! Further support may also be available from Job Centre Plus who recognise the Horizons programme as playing a valuable role in helping lone parents back to work.
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5
Common
Family life can be challenging and difficult for parents and carers. Parentline Plus is a national charity providing parent to parent support and aims to help parents so that they can do their best for their children.
If you need a listening ear, Parentline 0808 800 2222, is free from landlines and pay phones. The number is available 24 hours, seven days a week. You can also get a wealth of information and tips via their website,
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9
Shelter is a charity that works specifically to help with homelessness and bad housing. They give helpful advice and information and support people with housing needs. To find out more click here.
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7
