Young Parents Programme

'I don't know what I would have done without them: I was 14, had a two-month-old baby and was homeless.'

The Young Parents Programme supports young women who are pregnant or who have children.

The support our young parents receive includes:

1:1 Support through Home Visiting:
A project worker will visit a young woman once she is referred to the project to offer appropriate support and opportunities within the project. 1:1 support continues throughout the time the young woman is involved in the project.

Groups for Social Support:
There are a number of groups running during the week.  A chance to meet other young mums and take part in a variety of activities.

Antenatal Groups (midwife input):
A chance for young women to meet together with other expectant mums of a similar age to prepare for the birth.  A midwife attends the session.  Also included in the programme is a chance to look around the 'Rosie' delivery unit.

Parenting Groups:
These include learning about development, play, communication with your child, safety in the home, first aid, baby massage, baby & child health.

Skills Development Courses:
We run a range of courses in life skills such as child care, healthy living, literacy, self-confidence for the young parents who may have had to leave mainstream education.  Childcare and transport are provided.

Supported Progression:
We help young parents to identify their hopes and desires for the future and support them in making these a reality, for example by accompanying them to other local groups, offering careers advice, enabling access to childcare funding, assisting with writing CVs, searching for suitable courses and jobs, and liaising with colleges.

Mental and Emotional Health Support:
We offer specialist emotional and mental health support, including professional counselling, to young parents. (40% of young parents have identified mental health problems).

Trips:
During the summer there are opportunities for days out with the children.

Transport and childcare are provided for the groups where needed. This is discussed with young women during initial visits and through 1:1 support.

For more information please contact Rachel Bennett:
Tel: 01223 566021 or to e-mail click here