Kids and us--a project for lone parent families

New Deal for Communities, a government initiative aimed at regenerating deprived neighbourhoods, funded a project for lone parents and their children, 'Kids & Us.' It sought to support lone families, by offering a range of services, including counselling, systemic family therapy, group work, training, recreational activities and a help-line. Trainee volunteers provide many of the services, which enables the project to function on limited resources. Regular supervision by the project co-ordinator ensures the quality of the service and provides an opportunity for training, which is limited at present in the area. Evaluation of Kids & Us has been extremely positive, with the creation of jobs and people obtaining qualifications, as well as many local people accessing new health opportunities. Clients, both adults and children, value the service highly. However, further funding is uncertain and the future of this successful project is in jeopardy.