We’re pleased to share that our funding to help single parents and families with pre-school children has been extended until March 2026. The Accessible Advice Fund, distributed by AdviceUK on behalf of the Scottish Government, allows us to provide employability and income maximisation advice to parents.
Our Placemaking Team has been working closely with local community organisations to support parents seeking work, including social enterprise Kin Collective. Their work helps support people with their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing in pregnancy and early parenthood.
Kathryn Lawrence, Director of Kin Collective said: “We have been so grateful to have received support from Jane Whiting and Harbour Homes for our parent community. Jane has been a frequent guest at our weekly perinatal group to chat to parents and provide information about the tailored 1:1 support available. This has been particularly relevant to families who are facing a range of challenges including reduced income due to maternity and parental leave, parents seeking new employment, the issue of high childcare costs, a lack of provision, and in some cases support with existing employment and flexibility to work around family life.”
Kathryn added: “We have received excellent feedback from parents that have worked with Jane on an individual basis, in particular that her input has been instrumental in helping to secure new roles and employment. To date Jane has worked with 16 parents so far and we are delighted to have been able to work with Jane and Harbour Homes on this project and receive such invaluable support.”
One person who has been helped by this funding is Pru. In her past Pru has been a freelance TV producer and script writer. The long hours and necessity to travel means this type of work is no longer feasible with a young baby. Pru is being helped to update her CV and with clarifying her skills and applying them in a new context. At the moment she’s looking at working for a start-up part time or possibly a student advice post for Edinburgh University.
John Murray, Placemaking Manager at Harbour Homes said: “This funding extension is a testament to the positive impact this service has already had on the lives of the people receiving advice. We’re thrilled to be able to continue this important work.”
If you are a parent in Leith and north Edinburgh who’s interested in learning more about this service, please contact jane.whiting@harbour.scot for more information.
