'Young Mums Only'

"Young Mums Only" is a 15 week training and childcare project aiming to enable young mums to get a nationally recognised qualification whilst their children are cared for. Connexions Cumbria, Job Centre Plus' Lone Parent Advisers and The Lakes College - West Cumbria, run the project jointly. 

Fran Frankland, Cumbria Teenage Pregnancy Strategy Co-ordinator says, 

"The young mums can gain a NCFE Certificate in Employment Skills and Career Development, and a First Aid certificate. They are encouraged to identify and explore career opportunities and also further learning opportunities as they are eligible for 52 weeks worth of learning via the Lone parent Fund. Taster sessions of courses are offered by the college, and careers guidance, information and advice sessions, CV and interview preparation and help with action planning, is provided by a Connexions Personal Adviser. The project gives young mums the opportunity to get an extra £15 a week on top of existing benefits but also to get the costs of registered Child Care paid for. 

The course is targeted at those who are aged 16-19, beyond compulsory education. It is free to all lone parents as long as they are eligible for support from the Job Centre Plus' Lone Parent Advisers. More young parents have been able to access further education and training by using this course as a stepping-stone. Registered Child Care costs being picked up by the Lone Parents fund removes one of the primary barriers to young women with children being able to fulfil their potential through learning." 

The 'Young Mums Only' project is part of the wider Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy aiming to reduce teenage Pregnancy by 50% by 2010 and to support teenage Parents. Throughout the whole of Cumbria there are projects, initiatives and courses designed to provide education and training opportunities to teenage mothers and dads. For a teenage parent to attend courses there has to be childcare facilities. 

For more information about the scheme contact Helen Warton, Connexions Cumbria on (01229) 400037. 

Anyone who is under 18 and wants confidential advice on sex or contraception can call Sexwise on 0800 28 29 30