The ‘Young Mums To Be’ (YMTB) Skills for Life competence award which is run at Skelmersdale & Ormskirk College is a unique accredited training programme for pregnant teenage learners and their partners designed to meet the needs of young people from different social, cultural, emotional and educational backgrounds.
The course began in July 2008 and has been a great success with many teenage ‘mums to be’ enrolling onto the course, giving them a chance to prepare for life as new parents and look forward to the future by considering returning to education, training and work.
Carly Norris, who is currently on the course, commented “the course has really helped me a lot. I thought there was nothing for me to do out there, but this course has shown that you can still get out and learn new things while you are pregnant”. Another member of the YMTB group, Chloe Hanley explained she had “gained a lot of confidence because of the course. It’s really helped me prepare for when the time comes to give birth”.
Both girls have been on the course for several months and are in the final stretch of their journey. Anne Turner, YMTB course leader commented “The course has been a great success, it has provided a welcoming environment for young parents-to-be. They have been able to share their worries and concerns about becoming a parent with other young people in the same position as them in a non-judgemental setting. It’s been great to have all of the girls here, I’m extremely proud of them all and I’m sure they’re going to make lovely mums”.
The YMTB Skills for Life competence award allows teenagers to develop their skills and knowledge in money management, baby care, life skills, creative skills, I.T. skills and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is a nationally recognised award and entitles qualifying students to receive EMA payments whilst attending the course.
For further details on the course please contact course leader Anne Turner on (01695) 52374.