Support for young parents

Contacts

Local

Home- Start offer friendly support, practical help, understanding and reassurance – call Nicky on 01424 443636 or try www.home-start.org.uk or e-mail info@home-start.org.uk
Xtrax offers a friendly, safe environment for young people and is child-friendly - 01424 722524
Teenage and Young Mums Peer Education Project is looking for further volunteers to be trained and go on for a BTEC in Peer Education, if they so wish. Anyone interested should contact Gill Ramsay at the Fellowship of St Nicholas in London Road, St Leonards on Sea 01424 423683 or gramsay@fellowshipofstnicholas.org.uk. This number can also be used for any group or organisation who wishes the group to run/facilitate and education session about the ‘realities of teenage pregnancy’.
PALS – For families living in the Hastings and St Leonards Sure-start area. For adults and childrenaged 0-4 yrs * books * toys * time and space for you and your child * join in the fun and learn with your friends * creative arts and crafts * free refreshments * new activities for families * for further information call 423683.
Family Support Health Team work with families and children who are having difficulties of any sort, including:
- Stress and anxiety
- Family Breakdown
- Loss and bereavement
- Anger Management
- Emotional/behavioural difficulties
- Poor social integration
- Low self-esteem

Call them on 01424 710105 (answer-phone so leave a message!)

Your local Health Visiting Team may also be able to help:

Upper St Leonards Health visiting Team
Lower St Leonards Health Visiting Team
Hastings West Health Visiting Team
Hastings East Health Visiting Team
Hastings and St Leonards Sure-Start – 460112
Ore Valley Sure-Start - 448143
The Fellowship of St Nicholas has a nursery and baby-room able to take 0-2 yr olds – Contact 01424 423683 or e-mail cunsworth@fellowshipofstnicholas.org.uk for more information.

National

www.fathersdirect.com
Promoting positive relationships between men and their children. For fathers, by fathers, including teenage parents
‘Meet-a-mum’ – Helpline offering support for mums and pregnant women – 0208 7680123 or www.mama.org.uk
Parentline Plus – 24 hour free and confidential helpline for all parents wanting to talk.
0808 800 2222
www.parentlineplus.org.uk
National Council for one-parent families – Information on tax, benefits, maintenance and legal rights.
0800 0185026
www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
Gingerbread – For single parents and their children.
0800 0184318
www.gingerbread.org.uk
Maternity Alliance – Info on all aspects of maternity care, rights at work and benefits for families.
0207 5888582
www.maternityalliance.org
National Debt Line (Free-phone) 0808 808 4000 (Mon-Fri 9-9, Sat 9.30-1pm) or visit www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
www.thebigproject.co.uk/kids_bot.htm - For loads of info, advice, tips and things to do…

Going back to work/education…

Futures After Birth (FAB) for young parents aged 16-19 – Advice and information on employment, training and personal development. Contact 01424 425780 or e-mail fab@sussexcareers.co.uk
Hori zons – Offers a wide range of free courses supported by free crèche/carer facilities and free transport. Call 01424 204136 for more info.
Hastings College of Arts and Technology (HCAT) offer lots of part-time courses and some are free! Call 01424 442222
Hastings CommIT Project - Offer lots of free training sessions in IT as well as advice on careers– 01424 436738 or www.hastingscommit.org.uk
Hastings Trust – Offer free, confidential info and advice on learning, volunteering and careers. 01424 446373 for more info.
HBC Tressell Training provides young people with the opportunity to develop their personal, social and vocational skills. Call 01424 781766 or e-mail tressell@btconnect.com
Or try www.hastings.gov.uk for more info.
Breaking the Cycle – Offers 1:1 support, sign-posting and ongoing learning to young people who aren’t in education, training or employment. 01424 439900.
Education Action Zone (EAZ) - Ring 01424 439340 or check out www.hstleaz.net for more details.

Publications

‘Keep Pushing’ is a new, free magazine for young parents in East Sussex. Whatever your age or situation there should be something in there for you – Issue 1 included info on financial help, childcare, contraception, a ‘ladz to dadz’ section, your letters and real life stories from young parents.

‘Keep Pushing’ can offer loads of info on health and well-being for you and your baby. Every issue there will be complete listings of all the services and organisations in your local area.

They believe that being young doesn’t mean you can’t be as good a parent as someone twice your age. And although the thought of sleepless nights and dirty nappies might seem pretty scary, having a baby is also fun and exciting. With the right information and support anyone can be a great parent.

If you’re a young mum or dad and have something to say or would like to get involved with ‘Keep Pushing’, e-mail Aimie at aimie.mallett@eastsussex.gov.uk or write to:

Aimie Mallett,
Teenage Pregnancy Project Worker
ESCC,
Lansdowne Children’s Centre,
House 2,
Hawks Road,
Hailsham,
East Sussex,
BN27 1NP

Tel 01323 841470