Choices offers specialist information, advice and support to lone parents and their children when they need it most. The service aims to support lone parents to extend their life choices and overcome discrimination and isolation.

Choices promotes positive policies that recognise family diversity and an understanding of the needs of one parent families. Lone Parents may be divorced, separated, widowed, never married, heterosexual / gay or affected by disability and from many different backgrounds and cultures. We welcome enquiries from all lone parents whatever their situation.

Choices for Parents

Offers Lone Parents information, advice and support through:

• The Lone Parent Helpline Service which offers:
  • Free, confidential telephone advice to lone parents.
  • A gateway to all One Parent Families Scotland services.
  • A range of factsheets on issues affecting lone parents.
  • Access to local information.

  Tel. 0808 801 0323; enquiries@opfswest.org.uk

• A Welfare Rights Service which provides:
  • Specialist advice, advocacy and representation for lone parents.
  • One to one consultations by appointment, including outreach work.
  • Specialist support to others working with lone parents in local areas.

  Tel. 0141 847 0444; craigmckenzie@opfswest.org.uk

• A group work service which supports:
  • Lone parents to meet together within their local area, focusing on special social groups including new communities.
  • Lone parents to explore a range of options to build their confidence, participation and knowledge of local opportunities.

  Tel. 0141 847 0444; vickygrandon@opfswest.org.uk

Choices for Children

Provides a service for children and young people in changing family situations including:

• An advice & counselling service for children in one parent families.
• Advocacy work on behalf of children /young people, appropriate to their needs.
• Group work activities which offer peer support within a safe environment.
• An Outreach service where appropriate.

Tel. 0141 847 0888; davidgray@opfswest.org.uk

Choices for Agencies

Provides specialist information & advice for those working with Lone Parents through:

• Training courses on issues which affect lone parents.
• The national lone parent helpline service.
• A Scottish Directory of Local Services.
• A range of specialist information sheets.
• An e-bulletin update.

Tel. 0808 801 0323; enquiries@opfswest.org.uk

Choices for Policy makers

Provides Information and research on policy choices which would improve the lives of lone parents and their children by:

• Promoting positive policies for one parent families.
• Engaging with lone parents to involve them in giving feedback on government policies and national & local service delivery.
• Promoting a positive image of one-parent families and collective solutions to the barriers they face.

Tel. 0141 847 0444; mariondavis@opfswest.org.uk

Contacts

Choices: One Parent Families West of Scotland,
100 Wellington St, Glasgow, G2 6DH.
Tel: 0141 847 0444
Email: enquiries@opfswest.org.uk