Parenting
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Being a parent
Whether you've planned it or not, becoming a parent is the most challenging and rewarding thing there is. You might feel overwhelmed by the responsibility or unprepared for the impact it will have on your life.
Don't struggle on alone, there is help available in your local area, people you can talk to, and groups you can attend where you can share your worries and concerns.
There are also national organisations that you can contact:
Care to Learn - childcare while you learn
If you are a young parent, Care to Learn can help pay for your childcare and travel costs while you’re learning.
The subject or course you take is entirely up to you. You can choose, for example, whether you want a qualification or not, or whether you want to learn at a college or through work.
Wherever you learn, you can be confident that your child is being safely looked after.
To find out if you qualify, or to help you apply, you can either phone the Care to Learn helpline on 0800 121 8989 or contact your Connexions Personal Adviser.
Find out more at Directgov/Caretolearn.
Don't struggle on alone, there is help available in your local area, people you can talk to, and groups you can attend where you can share your worries and concerns.
Young Fathers Network is a free information service that offers impartial advice and guidance to young fathers and their families when they need it. The network's aim is to give a no barrier and non-invasive pathway to the appropriate support to resolve any issue that a young man may have that is already or is about to become a father or carer for a child. Their website offers answers to many questions, but they can also be contacted by email or phone.
There are also national organisations that you can contact:
- One Parent Families – offer information, advice and support for lone parents on all sorts of things you may be worrying about, including safe sleeping for your baby, drugs and medicines, and housing for you and your baby. Visit their website for more information One Parent Families.
- Gingerbread – offer information, support and advice to lone parents on benefits, childcare, housing, and much more. Visit their website Gingerbread for more information.
Care to Learn - childcare while you learn
If you are a young parent, Care to Learn can help pay for your childcare and travel costs while you’re learning.
The subject or course you take is entirely up to you. You can choose, for example, whether you want a qualification or not, or whether you want to learn at a college or through work.
Wherever you learn, you can be confident that your child is being safely looked after.
To find out if you qualify, or to help you apply, you can either phone the Care to Learn helpline on 0800 121 8989 or contact your Connexions Personal Adviser.
Find out more at Directgov/Caretolearn.