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Innovative program for teenage mums

An innovative program has been established to target young mothers and expectant young mothers aged between 14 and 21 to help them re-engage with their studies of Years 9, 10 and 12 and TAFE Certificates.

The Babes with Babes program operates from the Beachside Family Centre in the grounds of Umina Public School.

Centre facilitator Ms Debbie Notara said the program existed only on the Central Coast at Umina and Bluehaven.

It is a partnership between TAFE NSW Hunter Institute Outreach, Gosford City Family Support Services, Beachside Family Centre and Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Corporation.

The program provides teachers every Thursday from 9am to 2pm to facilitate self-directed learning, as well as providing crèche facilities, transport, meals and information about children and families and the services available for them.

"This very supportive environment is vital for these young mothers to continue their education, increase self-esteem and find employment," Ms Notara said.

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews was a guest at the program on Thursday, March 1, to see the "innovative program" first hand and talk to the young mothers who attend, according to Ms Notara.

"Marie Andrews was very impressed with the motivation and dedication of the young mothers taking part and said she would very pleased to discuss this valuable program with Education Minister Carmel Tebutt in order to seek full and ongoing funding."

Any interested mothers and expectant mothers aged 14 to 21 should contact Gosford City Family Support Services' young parent worker Ms Amber Gun on 4340 1585 for further information.

Press release, 5 March 2007 Debbie Notara, Beachside Family Centre