Teen parents who have completed a 20 week course to enhance their skills are being celebrated.
The Teen Parent Support Programme, run by Durham County Council’s One Point Service, was a 20 week course which helped teenagers with children develop skills and knowledge such as self-esteem and confidence, sexual health awareness and money management.
The team behind the programme will continue to work with the parents in a bid to help them tackle any additional barriers to education and employment they come across –offering help and advice on the many day-to-day issues which come with bringing up children.
Many of the parents will have the opportunity to go on to other training programmes or apprenticeships.
Gill O’Neill, consultant in public health, said: “Like all parents, these young mothers and fathers want the very best for their children.
“Coping with life’s ups and downs is not always easy and we all need support to manage difficult times.
“The demands of caring for a baby at a time when young people themselves are making the change from adolescence to adulthood are significant and can contribute to poor health and wellbeing.
“It is important that if young people do become parents they get the support they need to give their children the best start in life and contribute towards a successful future for their family.
“The celebration event recognises the achievements these young people have made over the past few months.
“They have shown remarkable commitment, demonstrated their resilience and determination and grasped these opportunities for both themselves and their children.”
A celebration event took place at Hardwick Hall to reward the first group of parents to complete the programme. After the event parents, children and staff took part in the Gruffalo Trail in Hardwick Park (pictured, above, after the event).
The One Point Service co-ordinated the programme with support from Public Health and the council’s Regeneration and Economic Development team.