Working For Families

Working For Families Fund has been set up by the Scottish Executive in conjunction with East Ayrshire Council to support and assist adults with dependant children move towards employment, training or voluntary work.

East Ayrshire Council has established a Steering Group of partners to assist in the development of the project. Members include Jobcentre Plus, Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Kilmarnock and Ayr Colleges, East Ayrshire Employment Initiative and the Childcare Partnership.

A new Working For Families team has been formed. Team members are led by the Project Manager and the Project Co-ordinator. Four Link Workers (assisted by 4 Support Workers) are based in the following communities to develop the aims of the project:

• Northwest Kilmarnock (Onthank, Longpark, Knockinlaw and Altonhill)
• South Kilmarnock (Shortlees, Bellfield and Riccarton)
• Dalmellington, Patna and Dalrymple
• Muirkirk, Logan and Lugar

The Link/Support Workers are establishing networks with other agencies crucial to the delivery of services to:

• join up childcare
• help with entering the labour market
• help overcome barriers to employment such as literacy and health problems

Specific projects have been developed to support the Working For Families customers re-enter training and employment as well as projects to support the expansion of childcare to meet the needs of parents returning to work eg:

• developing teencare
• extending sitter services
• promoting employment in childcare
• helping with childminder start-up costs

The Team will also help parents already in employment to improve their earning potential through various means eg:

• increased hours
• further training or extra training for new skills
• assistance with childcare issues

Here is a summary list of what Working For Families can help with:

• Childcare
• Training
• Education
• Work Related Expenses
• Developing Family Forums
• Coping with the Transition to Employment and a Wage
• Personal Development
• Volunteering Opportunities
• Improving Earning Ability
• Information and Advice
• Ongoing Support