23/05/2002

Lone parents urged to avail of New Deal

Social Development Minister Nigel Dodds has urged lone parents to improve their employment opportunities and broaden their life choices by participating in the New Deal for Lone Parents.

Speaking at the launch of “Choices 2” - a magazine aimed at lone parents in Northern Ireland - Mr Dodds said: "Information equals opportunity. We aim to help single parents get back into employment. Since New Deal for Lone Parents came into operation in April 1998, many have successfully moved into work and are either in full-time or part-time positions. Many others have taken part in education and training courses."

He continued: “We hope Choices 2 will give lone parents an insight into an another possible lifestyle - a working lifestyle. There are currently 81,000 single parents in the Province, almost half of whom receive support from the Social Security Agency, and we recognise and value the contribution they make to society. We want to help them get the most out of all the opportunities available to them."

The magazine includes information on topics and issues of interest to single parents and provides assistance for those seeking to enter or return to work. It was produced by the Social Security Agency in partnership with Gingerbread Northern Ireland.

(CL)


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