Being a parent

It's generally assumed that if you're a young parent it's because you were careless and accidently got pregnant, but this stereotype doesn't apply to all young parents. Some just want to start a family early. Young parents face many of the same issues that parents of all ages have to deal with. However you might need extra help to finish or continue your education, as well as making sure you've got enough money and somewhere to live. There's lots of support and advice available to young parents see our support for young parents page to find out more.

Money for young parents

There are benefits including Child Benefit, Tax Credits, Care to Learn and Sure Start Maternity Grant – that you might be able to get when you are pregnant and after your child is born. After your child is born you will get a £250 Child Trust Fund voucher to put into a special account for when your child is 18. Your Connexions PIPS adviser (Parenting Information & Pregnancy Support) will be able to help you find out which benefits you could get and apply for them.

Housing

See our Housing information pages for info on the housing options open to you and where to go for help. Your local council housing department has a duty to find you emergency accommodation if you are pregnant or caring for a child and homeless.

There are supported housing projects that may help with somewhere to live if you have to leave home when you have had your baby. There are support workers at the housing projects so that you don’t feel alone. You can get details of these from your local Connexions centre, Connexions PIPS adviser(Parenting Information & Pregnancy Support) or specialist teenage pregnancy midwife.

Continuing your education

If you are under 16

Until your school leaving day – the last Friday in June after your 16th birthday - you can get help and support to carry on with your education whilst you are pregnant and after your child is born.

If you live in the city of Leicester contact:

Teenage Pregnancy Re-integration Officer

Tel: 0116 221 1275

If you live in the county of Leicestershire contact:

PYMS (Pregnant and Young Mothers Support)

Karen on: 0116 239 3249 or 07966 111 019
or Sarah on: 0116 239 1683 or 07966 111 013

After Year 11

After Year 11 you can choose from a number of options to carry on with your education or start training for a job. Your Connexions personal adviser will be able to help you to think through your options.

If you go to college or sixth form you can get help with the cost of childcare from Care to Learn. If you are working you usually can also get Tax Credits to help with the costs of childcare.

There are special information services to help you to find childcare:

If you live in the City of Leicester contact:

Childcare Information Service - 0116 225 4890

If you live in the County of Leicestershire contact:

Family Information Service - 0116  305 6545

Care to Learn

If you want to go back to school or college or do an apprenticeship after your baby is born you can get help from Care to Learn. Care to Learn can pay for your childcare. They will also help you to find the right childcare. You must be under 20 when you start your course. Your Connexions PIPS adviser (Parenting Information & Pregnancy Support) can help you fill in your Care to Learn application form and find out about local childcare.

You can get more information about Care to Learn at www.direct.gov.uk or call the Care to Learn Helpline 0800 121 8989. You can also pick up a booklet about Care to Learn at your local Connexions Centre.

Real Life Stories

Gillian, 19 "I had Jack when I was 16 and didn't know how to continue my education"

Gillian talks about her experience

Matt, 18 "I thought being a dad would stop me going to Uni"

Matt talks about his experience.

Telephone Helplines

Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222

Advice and info on bringing up children for mums, dads and grandparents.

Cry-sis 08451 228 669

Support for parents of babies who cry a lot.

Lone Parent Helpline 0800 018 5026

Care to Learn Helpline 0800 121 8989

Young Mum’s Guide

Packed with information, advice and ideas about what to do, who to ask and where to go for help, the young mum's guide is a fantastic resource for parents and parents-to-be aged under 25.

Get your free copy of the young mum's guide by ringing the Lone Parent Helpline on 0800 018 5026