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Charity merger boosts support for lone parents
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19/03/07 The two leading national charities representing the interests of Britain's 1.8 million lone parents and their 3 million children have agreed in principle to merge. Gingerbread and One Parent Families are currently working together with a target date of May for implementing the decision.
The merger will create a single national charity solely dedicated to supporting one-parent families and fighting against the poverty that affects so many of them.
The services provided to lone parents, such as telephone advice lines, publications, employability training and peer-to-peer support will be enhanced by the merger, as will the training and guidance given to professional advisers in the field.
It is a critical time for Britain's lone parents, with family policy and reform of the CSA and welfare-to-work currently at the forefront of public debate. The ability of the new organisation to speak with a stronger, more unified voice on these key policy issues is particularly important.
One Parent Families' Chief Executive Chris Pond, who will head up the merged charity, said:
"Lone parents have shot up the political agenda as major changes are proposed on key issues like work requirements and child support. Our merger will mean that lone parents have a louder, unified voice. Our service will be sharper and broader in its scope, ensuring that every UK lone parent has access to the best advice, accurate information and solid support. With Gingerbread's unique network of lone parent groups and One Parent Families' policy expertise there is an excellent fit. Together we will ensure that lone parents are heard."
Note to Members:
We feel this news is a hugely positive development for lone parents and their children, creating a single organisation wholly dedicated to supporting them. We will keep you informed as details emerge. If you have any comments about the merger, please send them to info@oneparentfamilies.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
One Parent Families is an independent national charity providing direct services to lone parents and campaigning for changes on their behalf. Established in 1918, it runs a free Advice Service and free Lone Parent Helpline which is sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. In addition it publishes a wide range of free information booklets on every aspect of one parent family life - from tax credits and benefits to child support to returning to work or education. One Parent Families has long-established expertise in providing return-to-work programmes for lone parents who are ready to take a job, working with private, public and voluntary sector partners to deliver these. Its helpline number is 0800 018 5026, open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm with late opening until 8pm on Wednesdays. Its website is at www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
Each year more than twenty thousand lone parents call the charity and receive independent, practical help and advice
Gingerbread is the largest membership organisation dedicated to providing help and support for lone parents and their children in England and Wales.
Gingerbread was formed by a lone mother in London in 1970. Her marriage had recently broken down and she found being a lone parent such a struggle she decided to set up a self-help organisation. The Sunday Times featured an article on her and hundreds of parents in similar situations got in touch. The response gave birth to Gingerbread.
Services - Membership to 10,000 lone parents, growing every month
- A network of self-help groups providing the opportunity for lone parent families to come together for support, activities and fun
- A unique training programme for lone parents and the people who work with them
- Advice - an expert and confidential free phone service dealing with a varied range of queries
- Help to counter the effects of childhood poverty by discounts, outings and events to ensure that children are not excluded from activities and opportunities
- A range of targeted information for lone parent families
For more information visit: www.gingerbread.org.uk
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