Links
Women with children may find the following organisations useful when working or looking for work, or if you’re thinking of starting your own business.
Employment issues
Acas The employment relations service. The place to go for online information about employment rights and rules such as flexible working, or if you are involved in and want to resolve a workplace dispute. They run a helpline (08457 47 47 47) that provides advice on work rights and resolving issues in the workplace.
Direct.gov The government’s site about public services, all in one place. The link will take you to the section on work and families, with information about maternity and paternity rights and the right to request flexible working.
GEO The Government Equalities Office has responsibility within Government for equality strategy and legislation, and takes the lead on issues relating to equality for women in the workplace. You can find information about the Equality Bill at their website.
Working Families Offers pragmatic advice and practical solutions to help employees and their employers find a better balance between responsibilities at home and work.
Finding and funding childcare
Daycare Trust Provides a huge range of online information and advice about childcare options, and also runs a helpline.
Direct.gov The government’s site about public services, all in one place. This link will take you to the childcare section, where you’ll find information about childcare and getting support towards its cost.
Direct.gov also has an online directory where you can search by postcode for childminders, nurseries, holiday schemes and so on. Click here to visit it.
Families Information Service Every council has a FIS which can give you details of local childcare including nurseries. They also offer advice and guidance on how to fund childcare, set up as a childminder or work in childcare. Click on the link to search for your local FIS online, or telephone the DirectGov Helpline on 0800 2346 346
Nannyshare Puts you in touch with other women in your area who are looking for a nannyshare, or who already have a nanny they want to share with another family.
National Day Nurseries Association Provides tips on choosing a day nursery and information about financial support available. You can also search by postcode for day nurseries in your area.
Paying for childcare This website, run by the Daycare Trust, will help you to understand the different types of financial support you may be able to receive, to help you with your costs for childcare.
Getting funding for training courses
Advice-Resources UK Has a directory where you can search online to see what funding is available for courses.
Careers Advice Service Find information on the funding available for different types of courses. You can also call a Careers Advisor for further information on 0800 100900.
Other financial issues
Citizens Advice Bureau Can advise on debt, benefits, housing, employment and the law.
Direct.gov The government’s site about public services, all in one place. This link will take you to the ‘money, tax and benefits’ section of the site.
Turn2Us Helps people access the money available to them – through welfare benefits, grants and other financial help.
Starting your own business
British Library Business & IP Centre Supports entrepreneurs, inventors and small businesses from that first spark of inspiration to successfully launching and developing a business. They offer advice sessions with experts as well as workshops and events.
Business Link A free business advice and support service funded by the government. The website has a section on starting up your own business and you can also access local support from advisors in London.
Everywoman Provides online networking, training, resources and support services for women in business.
Prowess Association of organisations who support the growth of women’s business ownership. Their website has a directory of local business support.
Please note that Women Like Us takes no responsibility for the content of any of the websites listed on this page