Young Families Share Support With New Project

Too many young parents in Leeds need help - but don't know where to get it.

That's from a group of organisations who've come together to launch a new project in Bramley, in response to the high rate of teenage pregnancy there.

Together Families allows new parents to get advice and support from other mums, from feeding to mental health.

Thuli is from Together Women, she says they set it up as a way of reaching out to parents who didn't want services telling them what to do.

“There’s mistrust and that can stem from the fact that if disclosures happen they’re scared that they’ll be reported and before they know it their kids may be taken away - which is a myth - and so having parents who’ve done it is a testament that it does work.”

She helped set it up after realising so many parents needed help, but didn't know where to get it.

“There is a very high percentage of early pregnancies, especially teenage pregnancies. A lot of these young people are not engaging with services so we had to find a way to reach them.

“We were able to put together a programme which suited the needs of the area, addressing things such as lack of uptake of services in the area, early pregnancies and sexual health, especially child sexual exploitation.”

Jade is one of the mums taking part in the project. She had twins when she was just 17.

“Just to really meet new mums and to listen to their advice and different parenting tips and get new ideas. It’s nice to have a little break, but it’s also nice to learn - while you’re having a break - about your children.”