Press Release

PILOT SCHEME OPENS UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SINGLE PARENTS

16 October 2007

Working Links clients from its Lone Parent programme in the most deprived areas of the east end of Glasgow are set to follow their dream career in the health industry thanks to a pilot training programme.

Working Links in partnership with the East Glasgow Community Health Care Partnership (CHCP) and John Wheatley College provided Working Links clients with the opportunity to take part in the initial scheme. And now all have completed the course and are well on the way to meeting their goals.

All participants are working towards a qualification in Community Health through John Wheatley College and work placements in the area of health they wish to work in. The apprenticeship course can lead to roles ranging from District Nurse, Adult Learning Difficulties Mentor, Mental Health Mentor to Health Visitor.

The aim of the project was to equip local people with the skills needed to compete in today’s job markets, providing a career pathway into high status jobs. Training for the health industry is traditionally only available via lengthy courses but these are not always an option for single parents, who face many challenges including childcare issues.

Working Links have, and still are, providing an intense and pro-active In Work Support package, helped participants overcome any problems they may have had with childcare, housing and debt management and providing all participants with laptops to ensure they have the best possible opportunity to make a success of their chosen career.

It was Jim Coleman, deputy director of Glasgow City Council, who initially approached the local health authority with the idea. Karie Murphy and Carol Wilson, Project Managers, then took the idea and made it into a positive and workable employment opportunity project. Then all that was left to do was for Working Links’ engagement consultant, Susan Paterson, to get the project in motion.

Said Susan: “When you are a single parent it brings obvious difficulties where training is concerned. It is particularly difficult for those who don’t have access to a computer. Working Links recognised this at an early stage. As part of the ongoing support we provided all our clients with laptops and the relevant books to ensure they had every possible chance of making a success of their new positions.”

The programme helped people like Claire Sommerville, a single mum who had found it difficult to get work through lack of childcare and financial problems.

“Working Links gave me the support I needed to address all the things that were holding me back from working. This position was not just a job but an excellent opportunity for me to work and train to build a career for myself and my daughter.”

It also helped Stephen Donnelly, who now has a position working within the NHS. He said: “Going back into education after leaving school at 16 thirty years ago was a bit daunting. All I had known since then was manual work. But the support and encouragement shown by all Working Links’ staff gave me the confidence to go forward. I haven’t looked back.

“This is the best move I have ever made and, although it isn’t easy, it is easily the most rewarding work I have ever done.”

Project manager, Karie Murphy said the experience of working with Working Links had been a positive one.

“Working Links have supported the development of this project since its inception, they played a vital role in identifying the individuals who eventually commenced employment with GG and Clyde Health Board. Their professional approach and genuine support for the individuals who were recruited have impressed me greatly and I look forward to working with them again."

Working Links, which has already helped more than 15,000 people across Scotland into work since its launch in the year 2000, offers employment solutions with a difference. Across the projects that Working Links run, 70% of their clients are still in work 12 months after they are found a job.

Each jobseeker is treated as an individual and support packages developed for each person. They are able to gain the advice of their own personal consultant, who provides help to find the job that they want. Consultants guide them through job searches and application forms and provide practical support by helping them with CVs, training and work experience.

But the role of Working Links goes beyond employment issues as it provides the assistance needed that in the long-term will create education opportunities, reduce crime and boost the wealth of the community.

• Copyright 2008 Dod's Parliamentary Communications Ltd
• About ePolitix.com
• Stakeholders
• Contacts
• Terms & Conditions
• Blog guidelines