The event was a great success with mothers and their children, the support of staff from Connexions, Buckinghamshire County Council and the Waterside, Castlefield and Newtown Children’s Centres. There was even an appearance from Santa!

The Future Steps scheme is co-ordinated by Buckinghamshire County Council in collaboration with Jobcentre Plus and Connexions. It offers the chance for lone parents to learn a range of skills – including food hygiene, first aid and interview techniques – to help them prepare for the workplace. The training sessions are usually weekly over eight weeks and come with free childcare and travel.

In 2016 over 50 people took part in Future Steps courses during 2016.

Future Steps is now looking for people who would like to take part in courses during 2017 in Aylesbury, Chesham or High Wycombe. The sessions are open to lone parents of any age who receive income support and who have a child under the age of five.

Buckinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement & Public Health Margaret Aston said: ‘We’re so pleased with the take-up of the Future Steps courses during 2016.

These free sessions not only provide lone parents with valuable workplace skills, but they also offer a relaxed opportunity to get to know other parents in the local area. I’d really recommend these courses, which also include free travel and childcare, to anyone who fits the entry criteria – it’s a really positive move to make at the start of 2017.‘

For further information on how to apply for a place on the courses, or for more advice, speak to your adviser at Jobcentre Plus or ring Jo at Connexions on 07921 491690.