Help for Single Parents
Help for Single Parents As a single parent, you may be eligible to receive help in a number of ways. This can be through benefit payments, help with bills, funding for childcare and back to work schemes. Below we’ve put together a number of different ways you can find out about the help you may be entitled to. Website NetMums has put together an extensive article on the available benefits, more specifically for single parents. Find out more by visiting: https://www.netmums.com/life/single-parent-benefits Benefits You May Be Entitled To Universal Credit: If you’re a single parent, the DWP might suggest signing up for Universal Credit, which combines various benefits into one payment. Income Support: This is the older way of getting financial help. It’s meant to add to your income if you’re not making enough to support your family. Child Benefit and Tax Credit: If you have a child under 16 or in full-time training and under 20, you can get child benefits. If you’re eligible for income support, you can also qualify for tax credits. Council Tax Subsidy: Check with your local council to find out if you can get a discount on your council tax. Note: In the coming months and years, some of these benefits may be merged into one benefit, Universal Credit. As soon as that has happened, we’ll update this article. Retraining or Changing Careers Balancing work and childcare becomes easier when you explore flexible jobs with good earning potential. Consider roles like copywriting, customer service, blogging, graphic design, administration, life coaching, SEO specialist, and website development that often allow remote or freelance work. For those seeking higher pay per hour, investing in online training courses can be a cost-effective way. These courses, which you can complete at home, come with a modest upfront cost and provide professional certification, fitting well between childcare responsibilities. Another option is pursuing an apprenticeship, revamped by the government to offer a master’s degree in as little as 18 months. With no training costs and the ability to earn while you learn, part-time options make it possible to balance time with your children. Retraining or upskilling, even through freelance work that values formal credentials, may enhance your earning potential. While not all single parent jobs demand additional training, it could be a valuable option if you’re facing challenges in your current field. Finding the Time Choosing the right work hours for your family depends on your situation. If you’ve recently returned from maternity leave, consider your physical and mental health too. For working parents, finding a balance with childcare is key. This might mean opting for part-time or flexible hours, and it’s helpful if your job provides childcare assistance to cut down on costs. If your child is in school, working during school hours can be a great way to manage your time, allowing you to earn a living without sacrificing time with your children. While not always possible, aiming for a job aligned with school hours often works well. Additionally, many schools offer after-school clubs, providing a reliable care option for your child if you need to stay at work longer. Help & Advice There are many local and national groups in the UK that aim to help and guide single parents. Sometimes, having someone explain your options clearly can make things feel more doable and less overwhelming. Here are some great organizations you can contact for support or advice: Gingerbread: Offers information to single parents to help them support their family and advocates for the voices of single parents in parliament. Dad Info: A community forum specifically for dads, providing tailored information and guidance. Single Parents: A diverse organization aiming to build a community of one-parent families and drive significant social change in the UK. Only Dads: Provides advice and support tailored for single dads. Only Mums: Offers advice and support tailored for single mums. Care for the Family: A general family support organization that can assist you with a range of family-related issues. Changing Career as a Single Parent When thinking about switching careers, it’s crucial to ensure that the working hours align with your childcare needs. For those considering a career change, it’s important to research potential options thoroughly. If possible, check reviews from current employees in your chosen field to understand the work-life balance. This helps you avoid a potentially negative career choice and find the best fit for your needs. Networking is also crucial when changing careers. Even as a single parent, reaching out to someone online about their career can be a vital part of networking. Being active on sites like LinkedIn shows your passion for the industry and makes you look connected to potential employers. It might sound simple, but asking everyone you know if they’re familiar with someone in your desired field is a great way to network. Your family or friends might have professional connections and can point you in the right direction. Help with Training Costs Not all learning and training requires payment. The National Careers Service skills toolkit offers many free courses covering practical maths, coding, and personal wellbeing. If you’re working, your employer might agree to cover some or all of the costs if you can explain how the learning will benefit them. If you have to pay for things yourself, there’s a chance to get financial support. If you’re 19 or older, attending a further education course, and have a low income, you could receive Learner Support to help with costs like travel, course materials, equipment, and childcare. Apply for this through your training organization or school, so always check if you’re eligible before starting. If you’re under 20, you can apply for Care to Learn to assist with childcare costs while you’re studying. We have a number of articles which highlight some of the free courses available from the likes of Google, Open University and Barclays to name just a few. Find out more at: https://www.halifaxjobs.co.uk/courses/ Childcare For many single parents, a significant challenge is securing reliable
Barclays LifeSkills- Free Courses
Free Courses – Barclays LifeSkills Barclays LifeSkills is a programme offering free employability and financial education and aims to assist individuals in acquiring the necessary skills, confidence, and connections for entering or advancing in the workforce. LifeSkills caters to diverse age groups, spanning from youngsters aged 7 and above to adults and families. The initiative provides accessible downloadable resources, interactive tools, and films tailored for use by educators, frontline workers, families, and charitable organisations with their learners. Additionally, individuals aged 14 and above, along with families and adults, can directly access learning resources on the website. At the core of LifeSkills is the provision of financial support to charity partners, aiding the most disadvantaged communities in the UK. These funds are utilised to deliver customised interventions for young people, adults, and families, addressing the specific challenges hindering their entry and sustainability in various industries. Since its establishment in 2013, LifeSkills has positively impacted millions of participants, facilitating the placement of thousands into employment. This success is attributed to collaborative efforts with the education sector, reputable charities, and the business community. So, what courses are available? Everything from Dealing with Pressure, How to be Assertive and Living on a Budget to name just a few. Find out more or start looking for the perfect course at: https://barclayslifeskills.com/ Recent Posts 24Feb Useful Information Navigating Social Media Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for Job Seekers and Professionals Navigating Social Media Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for Job Seekers… READ MORE 24Feb Useful Information Navigating Job Search Platforms: The Ultimate Guide to Online Job Hunting Navigating Job Search Platforms: The Ultimate Guide to Online Job… READ MORE 24Feb Interview Tips Different Interview Formats: How to Ace Phone, Video, and In-Person Interviews Different Interview Formats: How to Ace Phone, Video, and In-Person… READ MORE
Google Digital Skills – Free Courses
Free Courses – Google Digital Skills “Digital skills have fast become essential everyday skills. Time and time again, we have seen them enabling people to unlock new potential and be more resilient. That’s why Google is committed to helping people grow their digital skills, careers, or businesses using technology.” “Since 2015, Google has helped train 800,000 people across the UK, working with governments and industry experts to develop tools and training tailored to the needs of local communities. We believe that by working together we can help our communities prepare for the future, adapt to changing landscapes and build stronger digital economies.” Source: Google Digital Skills So, why Google Digital Skills? Firstly you dont need any experience whatsoever. It also looks great on your CV and with a lot of the courses, you also get a certificate that you can print out! It’s also great if you dont have much spare time as you can learn at your own pace. Google offers a wide range of courses from Learning how to write a CV to Artificial Intelligence to Coding and lots more! Ready to get started and learn new digital skills to help with your career or business? Follow: https://grow.google/intl/uk/courses-and-tools/ to find out more! Recent Posts 25Feb Courses Barclays LifeSkills- Free Courses Free Courses – Barclays LifeSkills Barclays LifeSkills is a programme… READ MORE 25Feb Courses Google Digital Skills – Free Courses Free Courses – Google Digital Skills “Digital skills have fast… READ MORE 24Feb Courses Open University – Free Courses Free Courses – The Open University The Open University (OU)… READ MORE
Open University – Free Courses
Free Courses – The Open University The Open University (OU) is a well-known and prominent example of an open and distance learning institution. Established in 1969, The Open University has played a significant role in providing accessible higher education to a diverse range of students. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various subjects. The distinctive feature of The Open University is its open admission policy, allowing people from all walks of life to enroll in courses and pursue degrees. Students have the flexibility to study from home, and the courses often involve a combination of printed study materials, online resources, and tutor support. The OU has been a pioneer in open and distance learning methodologies. The Open University has had a significant impact on expanding educational opportunities for people who might not have access to traditional university settings, promoting lifelong learning and making higher education more inclusive. The Open University offers a wide range of courses such as Exploring the English Language, Commercial Awareness, The Business of Football and Why Sustainable Energy Matters to name just a few. In fact, the Open University has over 1,000 free courses available for you to take advantage of right now! Want to know more or to search for available courses? Visit: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses Recent Posts 24Feb Useful Information Navigating Social Media Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for Job Seekers and Professionals Navigating Social Media Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for Job Seekers… READ MORE 24Feb Useful Information Navigating Job Search Platforms: The Ultimate Guide to Online Job Hunting Navigating Job Search Platforms: The Ultimate Guide to Online Job… READ MORE 24Feb Interview Tips Different Interview Formats: How to Ace Phone, Video, and In-Person Interviews Different Interview Formats: How to Ace Phone, Video, and In-Person… READ MORE