News

Willowbrook Place, our Teenage Parent Unit in Maidstone provides supported accommodation to young people who are pregnant or have young dependent children and supports them into independent living. Thanks to Youth Central, an organisation which helps to educate young women about issues that affect them, two of our residents were able to complete a BTEC in Peer Education. Here Rebecca and Charley tell their story:

“Hi, I’m Rebecca, and I lived at Willowbrook Place with my two daughters for two years. During this time I was supported in attending college, completing a domestic violence programme, and also learnt how to manage my own tenancy.  I joined the BTEC course as I wanted to improve my social skills and build my confidence when speaking in public. It was quite demanding having to juggle work and look after my daughters, but it was great to share experiences and build friendships.

“I now work full time as a Community Carer as well as regularly volunteer at a local baby group and a messy play church activity. My oldest daughter starts secondary school in September and my youngest daughter has also started nursery.

“After leaving Willowbrook I continued with my education, and my long term goal is to become an Educational Psychologist. This will involve four years at University, which I start next year. Once I’ve completed the degree I hope to be able to own my own home. Being at Willowbrook has given me confidence and helped me mature; I now value myself and realise that me and my girls deserve to be happy.”

Hello, I’m Charley and I currently live at Willowbrook Place, having moved from a mother and baby foster placement. Since living here I have enrolled on a Beauty Therapy course, four days a week at MidKent College and am just finishing my first year. Willowbrook has given me the support needed to be able to manage my own tenancy including budgeting and reporting repairs and I now feel I am ready to move on to independent living.

“I joined the BTEC Peer Education course as I wanted to gain a qualification as well as having an opportunity to meet new mums and build my confidence. At the start I was nervous as I didn’t know anyone but I soon built good relationships with the others as well as increasing my confidence and presentation skills.  

“I plan to finish my Beauty Course at MidKent College, which I hope will ultimately lead to owning my own mobile hair and beauty service.”

Teresa Francis Support Services Team Leader said “We very extremely proud of how far these young women have come and what they have achieved.  They are a shining example of how you can turn your life around, engaging in the support provided from the TPU and our partner agencies and most importantly believing in yourself.”

For more information on Youth Central visit www.reachskills.org.uk/org/youth-central. Find out more about the Teenage Parent Unit.