Use of single parent support service rises 48%

The One Family organisation, a support group for single parents, has reported a 48% increase in the number of people using its services last year.

The organisation said its services received more than 2,500 contacts in 2003. It said there was a notable increase in the number of non-nationals seeking help and such people accounted for 31% of all contacts made last year.

One Family, which used to be called Cherish, said the increasing demand for its services had prompted it to establish a new helpline.