Children and young people

This is a group for young parents aged between 13 and 21 years. It allows young pregnant teenagers and those that have already had children to meet for group support each week, in a relaxed, friendly and social environment. Partners are encouraged to attend and are welcome to take part in all activities. The group is very much about choices and receiving informed support to enable young people to succeed in their lifetime goals and ambitions. None of the activites are compulsory and young parents are welcome to come along to meet others and have a chat and a soft drink. The group meets every Thursday from 1 to 3pm and decisions are made by the young parents on which courses or training they would like to access. Courses include:

• first aid for children and babies;
• self-esteem;
• baby massage;
• cookery;
• managing your child's behaviour;
• weaning;
• anger management;
• information technology skills;
• "do-it-yourself" skills.

Antenatal classes are held fortnightly with a midwife and young parents can also meet a health visitor every week for health advice, baby weighing, support and guidance. A trained family planning nurse, who attends monthly, offers advice on contraception and sexually transmitted infections.

Two young parent advisers are available at the group for one-to-one support with housing, benefits, education, employment, childcare advice and emotional support.

The idea for Step4ward came from young parents who voiced their needs and opinions. The group also has access to funding for new opportunities and social events.

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