Help and support for young parents

Being a young parent can be a challenging time, but there's lots of help and support out there.

Here we look at how our specialist young parents advisers could help you and the support that's available locally. Also make sure you check out our Antenatal page and our Being a parent page for info and advice on money, housing and continuing your education.

Support for young parents from Connexions (PIPS team)

Connexions has specialist PIPS advisers (Parenting Information & Pregnancy Support) that understand the needs of young parents. PIPS advisers are sometimes called young parent advisers as they help young parents and parents to be. PIPS advisers can give you one to one support that is tailor made to your needs. You can make an appointment to see a PIPS adviser or come along to one of the drop in sessions (times below)

PIPS advisers can offer you lots of different types of support. The type of support you get will depend on your individual needs and requirements. You will be able to get help and advice on lots of different issues including:

• Getting back into education
• Jobs and training
• Problems with housing
• Benefits and money advice
• Relationships
• Pregnancy and parenting
• Childcare and Care to Learn (this is money for childcare when you're at school, or college)
• Sexual health and contraception

PIPS advisers are based at the Connexions centre on Charles Street. If you would like to make an appointment to see a PIPS adviser please call: 0116 262 7254.

Or come along to one of the drop in sessions:

Young parent adviser drop in sessions

Leicester Connexions Centre, Charles Street

Monday to Friday, 12pm to 3pm

Braunstone Frith Children's centre
Monday 9.30am to 12.30pm

Thursday 9.30am to 12.30pm

Braunstone Working (next to Children's centre)
Wednesday 9am to 4pm
Thursday 1pm to 4pm

Pregnant school girls & Young Mothers Support (PYMS)

If you live in the county of Leicestershire and you're under 16 you could get help and support from PYMS. PYMS supports young women whatever decisions they make during pregnancy, and on into motherhood, enabling them to continue with their education. They can help you with things like medical appointments, qualifications, breast feeding, childcare, travel, homework and any other issues you are facing. You can find out more about PYMS including how to make an appointment on The Jitty.

Young parents' groups

Getting together with other young parents can be a great way to get support from others in the same situation. There are groups all over the city for young parents. Call the PIPS team (Connexions young parent advisers) to find out where and when your nearest group meets: 0116 262 7254

or contact your local Children's centre. If you live in the county of Leicestershire you can find details of your local group on The Jitty.

Sure Start children's centres

Sure Start children's centres provide advice and support for parents and carers from pregnancy until your child starts reception class at primary school. They’re somewhere your child can make friends and learn as they play, and you can get advice on health and family issues, find out about about training and job opportunities or simply just meet other parents.

Sure Start children's centres in Leicester and Leicestershire are
based in: Beaumont Leys, Braunstone, Braunstone Frith, St Matthews, Highfields, Saffron Lane, New Parks, Loughborough, Greenhill and Woodthorpe, East Loughborough, and Shelthorpe.

Go to the Directgov website for location, opening times, and contact details.

Parenting skills and preparing for the birth

Parentcraft sessions

Learn about giving birth and how to care for your baby. There are special free sessions for young mums and dads to be at the Watershed Youth House on Upperton Road in Leicester. For more info ring Cheryl Perry on: 07973 860 213.

Young Mums and Dads To Be programme

Learn more about your body during pregnancy and how to deal with your child's early months and needs. This is a free course that will help you develop skills and understanding to ensure you and your baby stay healthy.

Download more info on the Young Mums and Dads To Be Programme here

Leicester parenting support

Parenting Leicester offers a range of services to help you with the challenges of bringing up your child. You can pick the support to suit your individual situation including parenting groups, advice and support services, a parenting network and volunteer scheme.
Parenting in Leicester website

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

Last Updated: 20-Aug-2010