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This is my first time on here, i feel im at my wits end. Im so worried i carnt sleep at night about this dreaded Work programme. Im a 40 year old single mum of 2, an 8 and 9 yr olds. Ive been on JSA for 12months and now told to go to a wrok programme meeting on Monday at 9.30am. The letter has told me it will be a group meeting, which im uncomfortable, i dont want to tell complete strangers also on the work programme my private life and details, nor do i think i should have to.The job centre have told me little of what im to expect and therefore im worried to death. I feel like no one cares about my children and im expected to dump them. Does anyone know what im to expect and do i have any rights as a full time mum who has no one else, including my childrens dad for help.
Hi, thank you for your comment, nice to know im not alone. Im going to read up and hope for a positive experience on monday.
Hi confused mum, welcome along
I doubt you will have to give personal details in front of others....if you are asked any then all you have to say is "I would rather discuss that in private" (maybe practise saying this to yourself so you feel confident in the words?) I imagine the meeting will be an "information session" with them giving you loads of blurb.
If you have read up on the links that Anna has given you, you will see that if you are a single parent with younger children, you will be expected to apply for jobs which involve work only in school hours. In reality you may eventually find one you like that is not just school hours, an chance to boost your confidence and independence and maybe make some new friends...but all in good time. First things first and I hope (and think) that the meeting will not be as daunting as you fear.
Hi , thanks for your words. I do need to stop worrying, im just overwhelmed with all the forms and expectations the job centre put on you and now this work programme. Going from always working and being married to being unemployed and a lone parent with no help at all from my childrens dad is difficult. The goverment should do something about making absents dads pay and be responsible rather than pressure single mums. Im desperate for work while my children are at school, all i want to do is be a good mum and look after us as best i can. I feel this goverment just want quick results and get people off benefits regardless of the problems its causes. There are no jobs around for flexible people let alone a mum who surely has to put her children first. Hope i feel better after mondays meeting.
Hi confusedmum
Have you been in contact with the Child Support Agency? They will work out your ex's earnings and ensure that you receive some form of maintenance. Have a look at CMoptions.
Monday will be fine, annoying as it is, it means a new chapter in your family's life. Hopefully some positives will come out of all this.
The csa have said because my ex is not claiming benefits and isnt in work they carnt do anything at all. He is a self employed plasterer so they csrnt catch up with him.
That is ridiculous. He has to submit a tax return every year with his income so they definitely have a record of his earnings! We have an expert on chiild support on these boards, drop her an email by clicking here. She will be able to give you the very best info
It was the reason i divorced him the fact he wouldnt support his family, i was the only one working and paying bills and i found out later was gambling and smoking stuff.. glad im out of it however he is the type to avoid paying for his kids. I call the csa and they dont help.
Lousie thanks for that. x ive just sent an email.
Good luck, let us know how you get on 
Hi confusedmum and welcome to One Space
Although I am sorry you have found us under this pressure.
I have no experience of the Work Programme myself, but some members of One Space have had positive experiences and others, not so good. Unfortunately we do have to attend these group meetings, although I would be interested if you are expected to share personal information.Try not to worry though, this is the normal process that many of us have had to endure. The childcare issue is always one of the biggest worries that we have to overcome, however we can and we do.
We have an article written by our Parliamentary Officer who supported one of our members through the process - Single Parent Experience and then went on to write an Analysis of Single Parents experiences.
We have a discussion thread on the forums that you might be interested in: Urgent Advice: The Work Programme
Lert us know how it goes on Monday, others will probably be along with some wise words from their experiences.