Building life skills and confidence is purpose of family trust's work

PARENTS in Devon are lucky to have a host of groups and organisations available to offer help and support where needed.

One such group is the Family Education Development Trust, a charity established in 1992.

It provides opportunities for young parents and their children to play, learn and grow together and works to encourage positive attitudes and good communication within families, and between home and school.

Julia Bolt is the Director of Core Services and says the trust's work has an excellent reputation.

"Young parents are sometimes the most in need of support, but the most reluctant to ask for it," she said.

"When we first started running groups it was difficult to get them to attend. Some young parents are scared they are going to be judged.

"Now we work to set up groups that the young parents can ultimately run themselves. This way they are able to support each other.

"We also work with the Single Parent Action Network to support the development of family self-help groups. We now support 10 groups throughout Devon."

The trust is always striving to help more young families and is now bidding for lottery funding to work specifically with dads.

Julia said: "Young fathers sometimes need extra support to help them feel confident as a parent. If we are successful we will set up groups that will help show them the range of free activities available in Devon so they can learn to enjoy their family time."

The trust has an office in Exeter at the Margaret Jackson Centre, and five development officers working throughout Devon. It works closely with Connexions, health visitors, youth workers, Children's Centres and other voluntary organisations

It runs two accredited courses in Exeter — Parents with Prospects and Young Parents To Be.

Development worker Carolyn Scott has helped to set them both up. Parents with Prospects is aimed at teenage parents and runs in Exeter two days a week for 10 weeks.

The current course has five youngsters. Lunch is provided and there is also a free creche.

Nineteen-year-old Tancie, who has a six-month-old daughter, said: "It is a great way of learning new things. Although it is educational, it is not like college, it is more relaxed.

"It is also good to meet other young mums in the same position. We can talk about things we have in common with our children and can support each other."

Jodie, 17, who has a 19-month-old son, hoped the course would help her get back into education so she can train as a nurse.

She said: "In the mornings we do our folder and theory work and in the afternoons we do more practical things. It is nice to have a break from the children.

"We do all have lunch together, but the rest of the time they are in the creche."

Another 18-year-old mum said the course had helped add structure to her week.

"It's good to get out and do something more with your brain," she said.

"Babies don't come with a handbook and this course is like a baby manual to us."

The course covers subjects such as safety in the home, food safety, childhood illnesses and immunisation, promoting positive behaviour, dealing with difficult situations, bonding, play, practical parenting skills and first aid.

"It's providing information to young parents and a space to share concerns about their children," said Carolyn.

The Young Parents To Be course is run at the Beacon Heath Children's Centre one afternoon a week, for 15 to 19-year-olds, and covers topics such as labour, delivery, child care and money management.

For more information about both courses call 01392 499994.