Bev's call for single parent help

Staffordshire single parents wanting work are being urged to use Jobcentres.

Tamworth single mother Beverley Sandbrook got a job at estate agent Dixons, thanks to the New Deal for Lone Parents.

The 44-year-old, of Waterfall Lane, helped by Tamworth's Jobcentre Plus, Saxon Mill Lane, said: "I just want to shout from the rooftops about how delighted I am to be back at work thanks to the help I received from my New Deal for Lone Parents adviser, Raj Ranch," said Ms Sandbrook.

"He provided a brilliant service – always there for me. I want to tell the world my story and hope it will inspire other single parents who want to get back to work to take advantage of the huge range of help there is out there."

She said that after a Discovery Week run by Connexions, especially for lone parents, she joined the local programme centre and began an NVQ Level 3 course in administration. Her tutor at Tamworth and Lichfield College helped find a placement at Dixons.

"This was the turning point; identifying skills I never knew I had helped me find the career I wanted," she said. "When I was offered a permanent job with Dixons, Raj did a better off in work calculation for me and helped me to arrange my in-work benefits.

"Specialist Lone Parent advisers at Jobcentre Plus can help lone parents overcome barriers to work; discuss their situation and goals, and help them work out what works best for them and their children."