Whether you've planned it or not, becoming a parent is the most challenging and rewarding thing there is. But 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.

Your nearest Connexions centre will have details of your local groups.

Gingerbread is a national organisation that offers information, support and advice to lone parents. Take a look at their Factsheets.

Don’t go it alone – get support!

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 Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989 or contact your Connexions personal adviser.

Find out more at DirectGov.

Useful websites

Plymouth Centre for Young Parents
Young Fathers Network
need2know