Government
Sydney Local Health District Young Parents Team for under 20s and pregnant living in Ashfield, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury, City of Sydney, Leichhardt and Marrickville. Provides ante-natal education and support from 36 weeks, home visits, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nutritionist, counselling, children’s medical services.
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District – Sydney and South East Sydney Young Parents services directory and playgroups.
NSW Government Health First Steps Parenting is for parents experiencing parenting difficulties with children aged 0-5. It provides home and centre-based support and groups for adolescent parents. Referrals are required from health professionals and community organisations.
The Centre operates from Newcastle with outreach to Maitland, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie local government areas.
Reiby Juvenile Justice Centre in partnership with Karitane provides Parenting Programs in Custody
Other
Family Planning NSW The state’s leading provider of reproductive and sexual health services and are experts on contraception, pregnancy options, STIs, sexuality and sexual function. Its health promotion team specialises in youth and its service to the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith local government areas provides free condoms, school outreach bus, adolescent ante natal services at the Nepean Hospital, young parents network with information about parenting, recreational activities, developmental checks for baby, excursions, childcare and much more for parents under 21. For information and referral on reproductive and sexual health call Family Planning NSW talkline on 1300 658 886
FP NSW offers education and accredited courses for health care providers on sexual and reproductive health.
Parentline NSW – counseling and information about parenting issues 1300 130 052
Dr Marie – live webchat for support with an unplanned pregnancy, freecall: 1800 003 707
Sydney-based
Benevolent Society – Macarthur and Camden Local Government Areas – Foundations for Young Parents – preparation for parenthood, playgroup
Raise Foundation runs the Bump program for pregnant and parenting mums under the age of 23 – a mentoring program in which girls meet other young mums in their local area and have some much needed “me” time. Bump includes fortnightly workshops and mentoring meet ups with an experienced mum as a mentor. Lunch and babysitting is provided. Bump graduates receive a TAFE Certificate I in Preparation for Work and Training once they complete the program. It runs from March till November but young mums can join the program at any time throughout the year. It is currently in four Sydney areas – Narrabeen, Randwick, Dulwich Hill and Parramatta and in Newcastle and Swansea. Raise also offers Bump Up program; an advanced course achieving a Tafe Certificate II in Skills for Work and Training. For more info, contact info@raise.org.au or call 0426 972 473.
Australian Red Cross Young Parents Program – Provides housing and accommodation, ante-natal and post natal medical support, parenting education, education and training opportunities, support with general health and well-being, social activities and annual camp and support with legal matters in various parts of Sydney, Parramatta, Gosford and Nowra. Baby and me app.
Salvation Army Oasis Youth Support Network – works with at risk and disadvantaged parents aged between 16 and 25 and their children; providing weekly therapeutic, educational and social support
Uniting Care Burnside – Rosemeadow/Ambarvale area – Happy Young Parents support and social group for young parents Ph 02 4628 3199. Calendar of events 2015
Good Shepherd, Marrickville Young Parents Program providing individual support and case management and parent education for parents under 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Offers case work, counselling, family support, early intervention, outreach, a weekly supported playgroup and links to community support services. Email reception@goodshep.org.au or tel 02 8571 7800.
Rural and regional
Raise Foundation runs the Bump program for pregnant and parenting mums under the age of 23 – a mentoring program in which girls meet other young mums in their local area and have some much needed “me” time. Bump includes fortnightly workshops and mentoring meet ups with an experienced mum as a mentor. Lunch and babysitting is provided. Bump graduates receive a TAFE Certificate I in Preparation for Work and Training once they complete the program. It runs from March till November but young mums can join the program at any time throughout the year. It is currently in Newcastle and Swansea.
Port Stephens Family & Neighbourhood Services – Young Parents Group offers a space where young parents can meet, share experiences and parenting tips, access support and have some fun and relaxation.
First Steps Parenting Centre at Lowrey Lane, Wallsend Campus, Wallsend, offers free, specifically tailored, nursing and social work support for parents under the age of 21. Run by NSW Health in Hunter Region – Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie areas. Contact 02 4924 6550 or email HNELDHD-FirstStepsParenting@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au
CatholicCare Strong Young Mums, Parkes and Peak Hill. Provides parent education, supported playgroups, individual support training and education for young mums preparing to return to or enter the workforce