Young Parents

Becoming a parent can be exciting, rewarding and sometimes challenging. Whether you are expecting a baby, caring for a child, sharing parenting responsibilities, or your child currently lives with someone else, we are here to support you.

We understand that care-experienced young people can sometimes worry about asking for help. We want you to know that our role is to support you and your family to thrive. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and you do not have to do this alone.

Your Personal Adviser (PA) will work alongside you to help you build a safe, stable and happy family life and support you to achieve the best outcomes for yourself and your child.

How We Can Support You

We can help you with:

• Advice, guidance and practical support during pregnancy and after your baby is born.
• Accessing health services, Midwives, Health Visitors and family services.
• Parenting advice and support.
• Suitable accommodation for you and your child.
• Benefits and financial support.
• Childcare and returning to education, training or work.
• Building parenting skills and confidence.
• Emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
• Developing positive relationships and support networks.
• Accessing Family Hubs and community services.

We will listen to your views and involve you in decisions about your future and your family's future.

Pregnancy Support

If You Think You Might Be Pregnant

If you think you may be pregnant, your PA can help you access a pregnancy test and talk through any questions, worries or decisions you may have.

Finding out you are pregnant can bring lots of emotions. We will make sure you have someone to talk to and support you to make informed choices about your future.

Support During Pregnancy

Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you will be supported by a Midwife who will help you throughout your pregnancy.

Your PA can help you to:

• Register with maternity services.
• Attend appointments if you would like support.
• Understand information from professionals.
• Access financial support and benefits.
• Find suitable accommodation if needed.
• Build a support network around you and your baby.
• Maintain relationships with family members and other important people who can offer support.

We want you to feel informed, confident and supported throughout your pregnancy.

Support at Important Appointments

Having a baby can involve lots of appointments and information.

If you would like support, your PA can attend important appointments with you, including:

• Midwife appointments.
• Health Visitor appointments.
• Housing appointments.
• Benefit appointments.
• Education, training or employment meetings.
• Other important meetings relating to you or your baby.

You do not have to attend these appointments on your own.

A Gift for Your New Baby

To celebrate the arrival of your baby, the Next Steps Service will provide a gift for your baby to help you get started as a parent.

Your PA will discuss this with you during your pregnancy or shortly after your baby is born.

Support After Your Baby Is Born

After your baby is born, you will be supported by a Health Visitor.

Health Visitors can help you with:

• Feeding your baby.
• Sleep routines.
• Child development.
• Managing your child's health and wellbeing.
• Home safety advice.
• Emotional wellbeing and confidence as a parent.
• Accessing local services and support groups.

They are there to answer questions, provide reassurance and help you feel confident as your child grows.

Family Hubs

Support for You and Your Family

Family Hubs offer support from pregnancy through to early childhood and provide a welcoming place where parents can access advice, support and opportunities to meet other families.

Family Hubs can help with:

• Pregnancy and baby support.
• Midwife and Health Visitor services.
• Baby and toddler groups.
• Stay and Play sessions.
• Infant feeding and breastfeeding support.
• Parenting advice and programmes.
• Child development support.
• Emotional wellbeing support.
• Help accessing childcare.
• Support with family relationships.
• Opportunities to meet other parents and build friendships.
• Access to local services and community support.

Family Hubs are a great place to build confidence, learn new skills and create a strong support network around you and your child.

Website: Stoke-on-Trent Family Hubs

Our Young Parents Group

Meet Other Young Parents

We know parenting can sometimes feel lonely, especially when you are doing it for the first time.

Our Young Parents Group offers a friendly and welcoming space where you can:

• Meet other young parents.
• Make new friends.
• Share experiences.
• Build confidence.
• Learn about child development.
• Access advice and support.
• Take part in activities with your child.
• Build positive support networks.

Nobody is expected to be a perfect parent. The group is there to support, encourage and help you connect with others who understand what you are going through.

Speak to your PA if you would like to get involved.

Building Your Confidence

No parent is expected to know everything.

We can help you access parenting programmes which can support you to:

• Understand child development.
• Build positive relationships with your child.
• Develop routines.
• Improve communication.
• Manage behaviour positively.
• Increase your confidence as a parent.

These programmes are designed to support and encourage parents, never to judge them.

Your PA, Family Hub, Health Visitor or Family Support Worker can help you access the right support for your family.

Family Support Workers and Early Help

Sometimes families need a little extra support.

Family Support Workers and Early Help Workers can provide practical advice and support with:

• Parenting skills.
• Family routines.
• Child development.
• Managing stress.
• Family relationships.
• Childcare.
• Accessing services and appointments.
• Building confidence and independence as a parent.

If you think this support would help, speak to your PA.

Money and Financial Support

Benefits and Financial Help

As a parent, you may be entitled to additional financial support.

Your PA can help you understand what you may be eligible for and support you with applications.

This may include:

• Universal Credit.
• Child Benefit.
• Healthy Start.
• Sure Start Maternity Grant.
• Housing support.
• Council Tax support.
• Childcare support.
• Education bursaries and grants.

Healthy Start Scheme

If you are pregnant or have a young child and receive certain benefits, you may qualify for the Healthy Start Scheme.

The scheme can help with the cost of:

• Milk.
• Fruit and vegetables.
• Infant formula.
• Vitamins.

Website: Healthy Start Scheme

Your PA can help you check if you are eligible and support you with an application.

Sure Start Maternity Grant

If you are expecting your first baby and receive certain benefits, you may be able to receive a one-off payment of £500 through the Sure Start Maternity Grant.

This money does not need to be paid back.

The grant can help with the cost of:

• A pram or pushchair.
• A cot or Moses basket.
• Baby clothes.
• Feeding equipment.
• A car seat.
• Other essential baby items.

Website: Sure Start Maternity Grant

Your PA can help you apply.

Childcare, Education and Employment

Achieving Your Goals

Becoming a parent should not stop you from achieving your goals and ambitions.

We can help you:

• Return to college, university or training.
• Access careers advice.
• Find employment opportunities.
• Access apprenticeships.
• Understand childcare options and funding.
• Balance parenting responsibilities with your future plans.

Help With Childcare Costs

Childcare can be expensive, but support is available.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to access:

• Free childcare hours.
• Childcare support through Universal Credit.
• Childcare support while studying.
• Childcare support linked to training or apprenticeships.

Your PA can help you:

• Check what support you are entitled to.
• Complete applications.
• Find registered childcare providers.
• Understand childcare costs and funding available.

Website: Childcare Choices

Emotional Wellbeing

Looking After Yourself

Being a parent can be rewarding, but it can also feel stressful, overwhelming or exhausting at times.

If you are struggling with:

• Anxiety.
• Stress.
• Low mood.
• Loneliness.
• Relationship difficulties.
• Pregnancy-related mental health difficulties.
• Post-natal depression.

Support is available.

Speak to your:

• GP.
• Midwife.
• Health Visitor.
• Personal Adviser.

We can help you access emotional wellbeing support, counselling and specialist mental health services when needed.

Building Strong Family Relationships

Healthy relationships are important for both parents and children.

We will support you to build healthy, safe and lasting relationships with the people who matter to you.

This may include support to:

• Strengthen relationships with family members and trusted adults.
• Maintain relationships with brothers and sisters where appropriate.
• Build positive co-parenting relationships.
• Access parenting groups and peer support networks.
• Develop confidence and independence as a parent.

Building Your Support Network

No parent should feel they have to do everything alone.

We can help you build connections with:

• Other young parents.
• Family members.
• Trusted adults.
• Family Hub staff.
• Midwives and Health Visitors.
• Family Support Workers.
• Community groups and activities.
• Professionals who can support you and your child.

Our aim is to help you build a strong network of people around you who can provide advice, encouragement and practical support.

If Your Child Does Not Live With You

We understand that some care-experienced young people are parents whose children do not currently live with them.

You can still access support and advice.

We can help you:

• Maintain positive relationships with your child where appropriate.
• Access parenting programmes.
• Attend meetings and appointments.
• Access advocacy services.
• Build confidence in your parenting role.
• Access emotional wellbeing support.
• Understand plans and decisions relating to your child.

We recognise that these situations can be emotional and difficult. We will continue to listen to you and support you.

If You Live Outside Stoke-on-Trent

If you live outside Stoke-on-Trent, your PA will help you access services local to where you live.

This may include:

• Midwifery services.
• GP registration.
• Health Visitor support.
• Family Hubs and Children's Centres.
• Parenting programmes.
• Mental health support.
• Child development services.
• Family support services.

We will make sure distance does not stop you accessing the support you need.

Contact Details

Next Steps Leaving Care Service

• 01782 233575

Your PA or the Next Steps Duty Service can help you access any of the support described in this section.

Stoke-on-Trent Family Hubs

Stoke-on-Trent Family Hubs

Family Hubs provide support during pregnancy, for babies and children, parenting advice, wellbeing support, family activities and access to a range of services for families.

• Healthy Start Scheme - Healthy Start
• Childcare Support - Childcare Choices
• Sure Start Maternity Grant - Sure Start Maternity Grant

Support for Young Dads

Being a Dad Matters Too

Becoming a dad can be exciting, rewarding and sometimes overwhelming. We recognise that young fathers can sometimes feel overlooked, but your relationship with your child is important, and we are here to support you.

Whether you live with your child, share parenting responsibilities, or your child lives elsewhere, we will support you to build positive relationships with your child and achieve your goals as a parent.

How We Can Help

Your Personal Adviser (PA) can support you to:

• Understand your rights and responsibilities as a parent.
• Access parenting advice and support.
• Build confidence in your role as a father.
• Attend appointments relating to your child.
• Access accommodation, education, training and employment support.
• Access benefits and financial support you may be entitled to.
• Build positive co-parenting relationships.
• Access emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
• Maintain and strengthen your relationship with your child where appropriate.

Family Hubs

Family Hubs are for dads as well as mums and provide a range of support for parents and families, including:

• Parenting advice and parenting programmes.
• Baby and toddler groups.
• Pregnancy and early years support.
• Health Visitor services.
• Emotional wellbeing support.
• Child development advice.
• Opportunities to meet other parents and build support networks.
• Support with family relationships.
• Access to local services and community activities.

Contact Details

Stoke-on-Trent Family Hubs
Website: Stoke-on-Trent Family Hubs

Email: familygroups@stoke.gov.uk (for parenting groups and parenting courses)

National Support for Young Dads

Dad Matters is a national programme that supports fathers before and after the birth of their baby. It helps dads understand their role, build strong relationships with their children and access support for their own wellbeing. The programme includes support around attachment, bonding, mental health and becoming a parent.

Website: Dad Matters

Fatherhood Institute

Fatherhood Institute provides free information and advice for fathers, including:

• Paternity leave.
• Parental responsibility.
• Co-parenting.
• Looking after your wellbeing.
• Supporting your child's education.
• Understanding your rights as a father.
• Website: Fatherhood Institute

PANDAS Foundation

PANDAS Foundation provides support for fathers who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, stress or other mental health difficulties during pregnancy or after the birth of a child. [pandasfoun...ion.org.uk]

Website: PANDAS Foundation Support for Dads

DadPad

DadPad is a free app developed with NHS professionals that provides practical information and support for expectant and new dads. It includes information about:

• Pregnancy.
• Labour and birth.
• Caring for your baby.
• Mental health and wellbeing.
• Family life and parenting. [home-start.org.uk]

Website: https://thedadpad.co.uk

If Your Child Does Not Live With You

We understand that some young fathers may not live with their child or may be working through arrangements around contact and relationships.

We can help you:

• Access parenting programmes.
• Understand meetings and plans relating to your child.
• Attend appointments where appropriate.
• Access advocacy and independent support.
• Build confidence in your parenting role.
• Maintain positive and meaningful relationships with your child where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

We recognise that these situations can sometimes be emotional and difficult. We will listen to you, support you and help you access the right advice and services.

You're Not On Your Own

Being a dad does not mean you have to manage everything on your own.

Your PA, Family Hubs, parenting services and specialist organisations can all help you build confidence, strengthen relationships and be the parent you want to be.

Contact Us

Next Steps Leaving Care Service

01782 233575

Speak to your PA or contact the Next Steps Duty Service if you would like support as a young dad. We are here to help you build a positive future for yourself and your child.