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For some young people, becoming a parent can be a very fulfilling and exciting time. However, being a parent can also be a challenging experience and even harder if you are becoming a young parent without the support of a partner or a supportive network of friends and family.
Whatever your circumstances your GP, midwife and health visitor are there to support you and, in some areas, there are specialist services for young parents, such as the Family Nurse Partnership. Your midwife, GP and health visitor will be able to connect you with your local support services and other young parents.
As a young parent under 18 you would be entitled to the Healthy Start Scheme where you can obtain vouchers for free milk, fruit and vegetables and vitamins. To find out more about the scheme see the link above. Your midwife can help you with what benefits you can claim for.
If you are still in full time education, your school or college can advise you and there is a
Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989. Personal advisors working within Connexions provide free and confidential advice to 13 – 19-year-olds.
NHS teenage pregnancy information – helpful information and resources if you are pregnant
Baby Buddy is a free interactive pregnancy and parenting app which has been created to support parents, co-parents and caregivers endorsed by the NHS.
Family Lives is available if you need someone to talk. They have a free and confidential helpline: 0808 800 222
They also have forums where you can talk to other young parents and find out about support in your area
Brook is a national charity who offer sexual health advice to people under 25. You can text them on 07537 402 024 or use their webchat helpline
Tommy’s is a pregnancy charity. Their website led by midwives for the latest information for parents-to-be
Straight Talking is a national teenage pregnancy charity that offer support services to young parents
Little Lullaby is a young parent’s project run by the Lullaby Trust which offers support for young parents, by young parents
Citizens’ Advice for further information about what benefits you qualify for and details of useful services
Shelter – housing advice https://www.shelter.org.uk
Care to Learn Scheme is for those under 20 who are already a parent at the start of their course and is designed to help with the cost of childcare while you are studying
Healthy Start Scheme to see if you qualify for vouchers for free milk, fruit, vegetables, and vitamins.
Gingerbread works locally and nationally with single parent families to help improve their lives.
In England your area may have the Family Nurse Partnership where a family nurse may be able to visit you at home if you are a young parent. They support young parents from early pregnancy until your child is 2.
If you live in Wales, you can find your local Family Information Service
There are some popular parenting forums many young parents find useful such as:
ChannelMum
Netmums
Mush
Find out about the how the impact of social media can affect your mental health
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