Learners rewarded with Driving Lessons
Five residents based at our Teenage Parent Unit in Maidstone, have been granted free driving lessons courtesy of the Young Active Parents Group (YAPS) and Kent Crèches.
The two organisations are providing the lessons as part of their Young Parents Programme which they run at the Teenage Parent Unit, known as Willowbrook Place.
The programme, which has been running since September 2016, takes place every week for two hours and is open to young parents up to the age of 20.
At the sessions, residents have the chance to interact with other young parents helping them to develop new skills such a cookery and craft making which will benefit them in the long term. A fully funded crèche is also available on site so the children are able to play whilst parents receive the support from the experienced YAP staff.
The sessions promote parenting techniques, give support to young parents with toddlers and enable them to engage in higher learning activities.
Resident Jazz is really grateful to be given the opportunity to have free driving lessons. She said: “This is the first chance I’ve had to learn to drive, and I am really looking forward to passing my test.”
Another new learner driver and previous resident at the TPU, Kasie, hopes to pass her test soon as this will give a lot more independence. Kasie now lives with her daughter in accommodation close to the TPU, but still attends the programme each week.
Chris Kyte, Manager at Kent Crèches who organised the driving lessons said: “We are proud to be involved in promoting the wellbeing, self esteem and confidence of the young parents whilst trying to improve their life opportunities. These sessions have helped create a very positive working relationship with the TPU and we are looking forward to the young parents passing their tests.”