Parents

One parent families/Gingerbread

You can now join free of charge as a lone parent. Ring up their helpline below and join straight away. This is the best advice for any lone parent. You can also ring up if you need to speak to someone. This is an excellent organisation working for the best welfare for you and your children.

They provide a voice for lone parents on the things that matter and offer information that you can trust, enabling you to help yourself and your family.

Not only do they provide friendly information and advice but they also work in the community to develop new solutions to changing needs. They really do make you feel that you are not alone (indeed, you are not) and that help is at hand.

Their varied publications, easy to read and to the point, are excellent and really do make a difference! Just ask if they have one related to your problem.
Chances are that they will and it will be specifically written with you in mind.

Please kindly say that you found them via this site.

One parent families website

Their free phone helpline also provides a vital service:
Lone Parent Helpline: 0800 018 5026
Opening times: Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm and open until 8pm on Wednesdays.
Free information for lone parents on: benefits, work, education, relationship breakdown and child maintenance, children and holidays. Information on other helpful organisations and groups throughout the UK is also available.

Lone Parent Help Desk
Searchable information for lone parents on a range of topics, available online, 24 hours a day.

Other people may also join by becoming a supporter. This is a very useful way to support a friend or relative as you will be able to assist them by keeping abreast of the current news and publications, at a time when it is difficult for them to concentrate fully. The cost is £20 a year.

Money booklets
Bank accounts: managing your money.
Debt: managing your money.
Separation: managing your money. An updated booklet on "Holidays" is now available with ideas for everyone from holidays with other lone parents on a shoestring to house swapping. Everyone needs a break.