Free careers and employment guidance for single mothers

LOCAL single mums are encouraged to apply for a free careers and employment guidance program hosted by the Council of Single Mothers and Their Children.

The Bloom program, which runs from this month until April, involves weekly confidential online sessions with an industry professional.

It’s designed to identify participants’ skills and strengths to enable their transition to work, study or a new career over time.

Facilitator Erika Williams, herself a single mother, said the course is about recalibrating participants’ concept of work-life balance and dealing with a variety of issues that have impacted them prior to and after separation.

“That can range from family violence, to economic abuse, to family breakdown, to a whole range of things,” she said.

“Often a mum may not have returned to work for two or three years, sometimes five years.

“Sometimes they’ve had to take jobs that they haven’t really wanted to do, just to put extra cash in their pocket.”

During the program Ms Williams works with each mother individually via Zoom for one and a half hours every fortnight where plans and goals are set.

“My job is to instill confidence and self-belief,” she said.

“If you need someone who truly understands the single mother experience, the Bloom program is a wonderful way to return to the workforce, study or get support around your next step in life.”

Applications, which close next Thursday, 20 February, can be made by emailing or phoning Ms Williams via [email protected] or 0423 189 340.