Member Article

Single dads urged to discover potential

Unemployed single fathers are being urged to take the chance to transform their lives with the help of a programme being launched across the Tees Valley. Teesside has the highest recorded number of male lone parents in the North East region, and Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) is calling on unemployed single fathers to take part in the Weeks of Discovery programme launching at Ragworth Community Centre, in Stockton.

The programme has been designed to help lone parents - in this case specifically fathers - who are claiming income support, to give them the information and skills to improve their lives.

The program works to break down barriers which may be preventing single fathers from progressing in life, managing parenthood whilst engaging in the community and ultimately getting into work.

Mike Shepherd, of PPDG, said: “In many ways the issues which surround a single mother are the same for fathers, however it often appears to be less socially acceptable for a man to be a single parent.

“We have specifically designed this Weeks of Discovery programme with fathers in mind, which should be a breath of fresh air to them. Raising awareness of this issue and finding ways to help all lone parents - regardless of sex - will transform their lives and, of course, it is the children who will be the biggest winners if their “parent” becomes more positively engaged.”

The first week of the fortnight-long course concentrates on confidence building, teamwork, job search, motivation, communication and career focus. In the second week the parents receive advice and support in searching for suitable jobs and training opportunities to match their aspirations.

The programme helps anyone within the Tees Valley and courses will be held in across Teesside, Hartlepool and Darlington. For more information about Weeks of Discovery call 01642 495460 or 07843267309.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .