Returning to study after a period of unemployment can be a daunting prospect for anyone, but a Cumbernauld woman has been nominated for an award for Outstanding Achievement for overcoming her fear and starting on the path to a new career.

One Parents Families Scotland has listened to lone parents about what matters to them and has responded by offering new programmes which will provide support to parents to prepare for the changes and challenges ahead.

By 2010 lone parents whose youngest child is seven years will be required to actively seek employment.  A new course for lone parents in North Lanarkshire aims to encourage and enable participants to believe in themselves, discover new talents, and take up new opportunities.