Parents will get extra help in tackling their children’s poor behaviour or attendance at school, and encouraged to play a more effective role in supporting their teachers, Schools Minister Jacqui Smith confirmed today.

A new Home Office programme to break down barriers to volunteering has received a £3 million boost.

Increased financial help will soon be available for some severely disabled people wishing to live independently in the community.

The process for filling the top job in UK social care has begun. Care Services Minister Liam Byrne outlined details of the new Department of Health board-level post ahead of a number of adverts appearing in the national and specialist press.

A new drive to help people with mental health problems get back on their feet and back into work has been launched by UK Health Minister Rosie Winterton.