Lone parents can benefit from free courses

Lone parents can learn a range of skills, including food hygiene, first aid and interview techniques, on free courses set up in High Wycombe and Chesham over the coming months.

These ‘Future Steps’ courses have been created for lone parents claiming income support and who have a child under the age offive years.

The weekly sessions, co-ordinated by Buckinghamshire County Council in collaboration with Jobcentre Plus and Connexions, will also offer free childcare and travel.

The next course begins on Tuesday July 14 at Castlefield Children’s Centre in High Wycombe from 9.15am until 12.15pm. It will continue every Tuesday at the same time for a further eight weeks.

Another course begins on Monday July 20 at the Waterside Children’s Centre, Chesham, from 10am to 3pm and continues every Monday fornine weeks. This is specifically designed for parents aged 25 plus.

“This is part of our Council’s Wellbeing programme, aimed at helping to get people into work. We do hope as many lone parents as possible take up this opportunity,” said Martin Phillips, Cabinet Member for Community. “We have tried to make this as easy as possible for parents by offering them free childcare while they are learning, so there should be nothing to stop them enrolling.”

To apply for a place on the courses, speak to your adviser at Jobcentre Plus orring Jo (Connexions) on 07921 491690