Christian Link Association of Single Parents (CLASP)

Help For Lone Parents

Lone parenting can be very difficult in today’s society, isolation and lack of confidence can be huge obstacles in moving forward. Single parents often need help, support or somewhere to go just to relax and talk. Many things get in their way of doing this, such as fear of rejection, poor health or loss of self-esteem.

One organisation that they can turn to is CLASP (Christian Link Association of Single Parents). They provide support for lone parent families in many ways including weekly drop-in sessions with crèche facilities. One of which is just for lone teenage parents. They also have confidential listening, a help line and parenting programmes. CLASP also have a link with the local college, which allows parents to be trained in many areas such as computing, first aid and cookery.

CLASP is able to offer all of these services because of the help and support they gain from the volunteers. They are also a registered charity with a link to the national organisation, Care for the Family.

CLASP welcomes volunteers as this enables them to reach more lone parent families. Volunteers can do many things such as looking after their Thrifty shop, helping with administration, providing confidential listening and helping with the crèche.

At present they are in need for volunteers who can help with administration and funding research. As a volunteer for CLASP you will gain confidence, friendships, work experience and you will also have the opportunity to take responsibility. Depending on your role as a volunteer you will also receive training in child protection and gain listening skills.