Illustrated banner for the Nottinghamshire Family Hub Network. The design shows a diverse group of people in an outdoor park setting, including a person pushing a stroller, a pregnant individual, a person using a wheelchair, and others sitting or walking. There is a playground structure in the background and trees on the sides. Text on the banner reads: “Nottinghamshire Family Hub Network” at the top and “Helping families get the right support at the right time” in a purple strip at the bottom.

Employment and family finances

Supporting parents and carers prepare for work

We often hear parents say, "I'm just a mum/dad." But there's no “just” about it. Being a parent or carer is one of the most important and rewarding roles, and it equips you with valuable skills that can be transferred to any workplace when the time is right for you and your family.

If you're looking to ease back into work, volunteering is a fantastic way to start. We offer many exciting opportunities through our Family Hub Networks. Get in touch with a member of your local family hub team or explore our volunteering at family hubs to learn more.

If the idea of returning to work feels a little overwhelming, our "Opening Doors to Confidence" course could be the perfect first step. This course, available at your local Family Hub, is designed to help you gain the skills and confidence needed for training or employment.

We also have Family Community Work Coaches who offer one-on-one drop-in sessions at our hubs. These coaches can help you navigate family finances, understand unemployment benefits, and overcome barriers that may be preventing you from moving forward. They’re here to support you with work experience, connect you to training providers, and help you build your confidence, identify your strengths, and set your aspirations.

In addition to this, our Family Hub staff offer personalised guidance on writing your CV, job applications, and can direct you to other organisations that provide further support.

Take a look at these quotes from some Nottinghamshire parents, who the Family Hub Networks have already supported:


“The course has improved my confidence own and I’ve started applying for jobs”

“The biggest difference this has made to me is that it’s given me confidence and allowed me to begin to pursue training for a career.”

Financial support

We understand for many this is a challenging time, especially if you have children. Budgeting can be difficult, and we understand that many families are struggling financially. Family community work coaches also offer one-on-one drop-in sessions at our hubs to help with finances as well as employment. 

You will often see the Department for Work and Pensions and the Citizens Advice working in our family hubs, they can provide a range of support and help with benefits, money management and debt. Follow us on social media to find out when these services are available. 

Find out more and see what you could be entitled to:

For additional help and support, there are lots of organisations that can help:

Help with childcare costs

We can support you to think about your childcare needs, working with our colleagues in the Families Information Service, providing information on childcare providers and ways to get support with some of the costs and help to find childcare.

Visit Help with childcare costs | Nottinghamshire County Council for children from 9 months until they start school. This also includes help for families with primary school children to access Tax Free Childcare.

You can also contact your local Family Hub Team or call us on 0300 500 80 80 about childcare queries and funding.

If you need support to build your confidence and skills to prepare for work, or with your family finances, please contact your local family hub team.