- Welcome
- Jobs
- Franchise Opportunities
- Setting up a business
- Articles
- Green Parenting
- Mums Marketplace
- Tried and Tested
- Career Focus
- Book Club
- Competitions
- Advertising
- Register
- Contact us
- About us
We have created a special area for Loan Parents on Mum and Working - inspired by the huge response we have had about work that is suitable for one parent familes.
TNG - Lone Parent Mentor - Joanne Theobold
Joanne works as a Lone Parent Advisor for TNG in Stratford, London. As a lone parent herself Joanne understands the needs of her clients first hand and has been working for TNG since returning to working life 2 years ago.
The Interview
Name - Joanne Theobold
Location - Stratford, London
Job title: Lone Parent Mentor
How did you become a Lone Parent Mentor with TNG? What is your background?
When TNG launched Lone Parent Mentoring, I was one of the first clients! As a lone parent myself I was looking to go back to work and had been attending training courses in computer skills to help me get 'job ready'. When the position of Receptionist came up at TNG I applied, got the job and then progressed to being a lone parent out-reach worker and now I am an in-house Lone Parent Advisor.
What does a Lone Parent Mentor do?
The role is very varied, but our main goal is to get a parent 'job ready'. That means we will sit down with them and identify any barries to applying for jobs and put together an action plan of how we will achieve all of their goals. We look at their dream job, medium level job they would like to do and then the entry level job they would be happy to do to help achieve their dream job- i.e. If someone's dream job is to manage their own shop we may start by looking at getting them an shop assistant job. They can see a clear plan of how they are going to achieve their end goal by working their way up and gaining all the skills to eventually do their dream job.
What are the main barriers in your experience, to working that lone parents face?
- Lack of self-confidence
- Childcare issues
- Financial worries
- Lack of skills/work experience
How do you address these issues?
- Lack of self-confidence - we send parents on tailored training to help address self-confidence issues.
- Childcare issues - we will talk through all of the options with parents, and discuss the benefits to them personally of working and how often it can improve their relationship with their child. We also address any financial worries in this area - by looking at financial support that is available like 80% childcare fees paid for and help with any deposits required for childcare. I know from personal experience that I was nervous about leaving my daughter in childcare, but that its been great for both of us - she does lots of exciting things and activities, and when I spend time with her it feels like 'quality' time.
- Financial worries This is the most common issue that all of the lone parents we see face - finacially they want to be sure they will be better off by working and that they are not going to be cut-off without any support. We assess their current financial situation and look at what benefits they will be eligible for whilst working - Working Family Tax credits etc, plus we discuss the financial help we can put into place to support them for the first 13 weeks of working - this includes: help with travel costs for getting to their job, childcare deposit and shopping vouchers, plus we will make sure any benefits are applied for.
- Lack of skills/work experience We can arrange work experience placements for parents, so that they get the chance to 'test' working life, gain experience and often get a reference they can add to their CV. Many parents may never have had a job and work experience can be invaluable. We also offer 'Back to Work' 6 week training courses which help parents brush up on skills such as computing, admin - general office skills, plus basic numeracy and literacy. All of these skills can be added to their CV.
What facilities are available in TNG centres?
We offer access to free computers, stationery to write job applications and telephones
How do lone parents get a lone parent mentor?
There are several routes - you can be referred by the Job Centre, all single parents currently in receipt of benefits are called to a 'work focused interview' every 12 months. As part of this interview parents may be offered TNG support. You can also visit a TNG centre yourself and sign-up independently of the Job Centre. Visit the TNG website to see where your nearest centre is -www.tng.uk.com. Finally, we also have many out-reach workers who visit schools, nurseries etc promoting the facility.
Are parents under any obligation once they have a lone parent mentor?
No, not at all. Parents use our service voluntarily. We initially start the programme for 6 months, if they haven't found a job after 6 months, we sign them up for another 6 months. Its an on-going process - but having a lone parent mentor has not effect on your benefits or financial support you get.
Do you enjoy your job?
Yes! Its great making a difference to other parents, and helping them back to work. Its rewarding seeing someone's confidence grow and develop.
To find out more about TNG and the work they do, please visit - www.tng.uk.com