Lone Parents

We have created a special area for Lone Parents on Mum and Working - inspired by the huge response we have had about work that is suitable for one parent familes.

Angie Hesketh - Lone Parent Advisor

Angie works as an out-reach Lone Parent Advisor in a Sure Start children's centre in Lancashire.

The Interview

Name - Angie Hesketh

Location - Fleetwood, Lancashire

Job title: Lone Parent Advisor

How did you become a Lone Parent Advisor? What is your background?

I've been employed by DWP Jobcentre plus since 1985, I have worked in many roles within Jobcentres & Benefit Offices, in my present post for the past three years.

My role is unusual, as I am based on outreach within a Surestart Children's centre.

What does a Lone Parent Advisor do?

Lone Parent Advisors undertake mandatory Work Focussed Interviews to all Lone Parents receiving Income Support with a child or children under 16 years. These interviews are mandatory to ensure all Lone parents are fully aware of all the help available to them, however, take up of this help is not mandatory. Some parents opt to just attend each review interview (each 3,6 or 12 months), whilst others request further interviews to help them move forward into work or training.

The help available is client focussed, with no obligation to the client. There are many schemes available to help parents, and a good advisor is always aware of local courses, jobs & child care facility.

What are the main barriers in your experience, to working that lone parents face?

Lone Parents can face many various barriers to work, the main one being childcare, others can include references, work experience, confidence issues or Literacy/Numeracy problems. As all the help is tailored to fit each person, various incentives / schemes / courses / information etc will be offered - obviously dependant on each circumstance - many change frequently so it is always best to speak directly to an advisor locally to see what is on offer for you. It is my job to break down each barrier and help my clients overcome them. I am here to empower parents!

How do you address these issues?

Working on outreach has proved hugely successful for me because of the partnership working. I am able to overcome barriers more quickly as I work closely with local colleges, childcare workers, Connexion/Advantage Advisors (careers service), Debt counsellors, Citizens Advice Bureau etc, who also work from our site. The centre is child friendly & I have found this highly beneficial as clients are immediately at ease in the environment. Surestart Fleetwood has won Steps to Learn national award for the number of it’s parents completing training via our services. Since 2005 on average we have achieved 7 per month into work or training.

How do lone parents get a Lone Parent Advisor?

To contact a Lone Parent Advisor phone your local Jobcentre plus office - in the Yellow Pages, or our National Freephone:0800 868 868 - Text Phone 0845 606 0680 lines open from 7am to 11pm, 7 days per week.

Do you enjoy your job?

I love my job, and I consider myself extremely lucky working Part time & term-time, balancing my work around my two children. I am proof that there are some child friendly employers out there. In turn I am always here when my clients need me - and not when the children are off school and they are busy themselves - which is good management all round.

Any further advice for lone parents who are unsure about the benefit of seeing a Lone Parent Advisor?

No matter how huge or how trivial your barriers may be - we are here to help you over them. You do everything for your children - Do something for YOU!

To find out more about Lone Parent Advisors, the work they do and the help they can offer, please visit - www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or www.newdeal.gov.uk