Archive Website of the UK government

Who's this for?

To get this help at least one member of the family should be getting a DWP working age benefit. These include Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support. Also, either no one in the family should have a job, or there should be a history of unemployment in your family.

What help is available?

People in families will get support with at least three areas which they need help with to move further towards employment. These may include the following:

• drug and alcohol issues
• self employment
• parenting skills
• family financial management
• community awareness
• managing and resolving domestic issues
• anti social behaviour
• health conditions

You will also get support and advice on getting back to work.

The programme is run on behalf of DWP by organisations known as 'providers'.

Providers are professional organisations who will offer support that is tailored to meet your needs. Providers consider your whole family, identify the individual family member's needs and develop an individual action plan.

The programme is voluntary and lasts for 12 months.

Local Authorities are working with families and will identify people in families who would benefit from this provision.

What to do if you're interested

Contact your local provider for further information.

• ESF provider contacts Opens new window

Other DWP programmes funded by ESF

ESF is used to fund voluntary places on the Work Programme for people who get Incapacity Benefit and Income Support.

Find out more information about the Work Programme using the following link.

• The Work Programme Opens new window

Other useful links

DWP website information on ESF Support for Families with Multiple Problems.

• Information for providers and Local Authorities on ESF Support for Families with Multiple Problems Opens new window

• European Social Fund website Opens new window

• European Commission (government, citizens and rights section)