Lone Parents, Poverty & Work

The Lone Parent Poverty & Work project is part our response to tackling child poverty in Scotland. Lone parents often face systemic inequalities, poverty, and multiple barriers to employment.

The project aims to empower lone parents by providing tailored support, enabling them to achieve economic independence while advocating for more inclusive and flexible workplaces in Fife.

We’ve been at the forefront of creating meaningful partnerships and initiatives with lone parents and employers across Fife to help lone parents secure sustainable employment.

What We Do

Tailored Support for Lone Parents:

We offer one-on-one support to empower lone parents to achieve their employment goals, looking at flexibility, well-paid and meaningful work opportunities. We engage in conversations with employers around how creative solutions can be utilised to enable these goals to become a reality. 

Guaranteed Interviews:

The project partners with local employers such as Fife Council and Fife Sports & Leisure Trust to ensure that eligible lone parents are guaranteed an interview for suitable roles. This approach not only provides parents with a fair opportunity to showcase their skills but also boosts their confidence and reduces the stigma they often face. For employers, it’s an opportunity to diversify their workforce and access untapped talent, while contributing to a more inclusive and equitable community.

Traineeships:

The project has developed a traineeship model to create a tailored, supportive pathway that equips lone parents with the skills, confidence, and experience needed to secure sustainable employment. Participants gain hands-on experience in a supportive and inclusive workplace. The model includes pre-placement employability training, ongoing guidance and mentorship for both lone parent participants and the employers involved, ensuring parents can balance work and family responsibilities while building their careers. This approach not only empowers lone parents but also helps employers create inclusive, flexible workplaces.

Our Success Stories

Breaking Barriers in the Care Sector: Four lone parents completed a flexible care traineeship within a local care home and secured employment at the end of their placements.

Education Sector Opportunities: Eight parents began Pupil Support Assistant roles in Fife schools, thanks to an excellent partnership with Fife Council.

Award-Winning Impact: Our project won Gold in 2023 and Silver at the Fife Business Diversity Awards in 2024, recognising our commitment to diversity and inclusion for lone parents across Fife. We were also shortlisted for a SURF Award in 2024 for our work in Removing Barriers to Employability.

Get Involved

For Employers:

Looking to diversify your workforce and make a real difference to child poverty in Fife? Partner with us to discuss how you can be part of the solution with our help.

For Lone Parents:

Are you ready to take the first step towards a brighter future? Get in touch to explore how our project can help you to access opportunities that fit your needs.