Young Parents Group

Strengthing Families to Strengthen the Community

Our young parents group runs every Thursday from 12.30pm-2.30pm. We always welcome new people

Our group is open for mums and dads, with or without their children and also expectant parents, all up to the age of 26. We provide free lunch and drinks and lots of toys and games for the children. We will also re-imburse your travel expenses.

We want to encourage young parents to become all they can be. We will offer you support, friendship, social opportunities and activities and courses.

We value all our young parents and their children. We will have a small birthday party for your children's birthdays and we celebrate together occasions like Christmas and valentines day.

We hope to meet you soon.

Latest News and Activities

NVQ's

If you have less than 5 GCSE's A-C grade (or equivalent) you may be entitled to do an NVQ with YMCA Engalnd. The NVQ's are available in Childcare, Health and Social Care, Business Administration or Customer Service. If you are interested please speak to Hannah.

Princes Trust Development Awards

We are pleased to announce that we are working with the Princes Trust to be able to offer you the chance to apply for funding to do a course of your choice that will lead to employment. Lynne from the Princes Trust will be at the Ypod on Monday 19th May at 12.30pm to help you with your application, (bus fares will be reimbursed). Please ask for more details.

Swimming

Our first group swimming session is Thursday 15th May. We are meeting at 12.15pm outside pool in the park. We have half of the teaching pool sectioned off for us and a teacher who will do songs and games in the water. More sessions will be announced soon.

Dates for 2008

28th May - Trip to the zoo (fully booked)

29th May - No group because of zoo trip the day before.

28th August 2008- Late Summer break

Group Leaders Sara and Hannah setting the room up!

For more information contact Hannah Robinson at hannah.robinson@wokingymca.org.uk or telephone 01483 757160

Here is some recent press coverage we had for the group:

Ypod Young Parents Club Success - 19th February 2008

After only three months, Woking YMCA's club for young mums and dads is already nearly full to capacity, thanks to 'unsung hero' Sara.

Last year Sara Brownsea approached Woking YMCA with the idea to start a club for young parents.She had been a member of a similar group in the area but when she reached the age of 22 she was no longer eligible to attend.
Sara's idea was to offer a club with a broader age range, and Woking YMCA gave her full support and a room at the Ypod, its state of the art community youth centre.

With the help of information officer Hannah Robinson, Sara applied for funding from the Big Lottery Fund's Big Boost Award.Big Boost offers support to community projects led by young people aged 11 to 25.The young parents club successfully secured £5,000 from the fund, which is used to pay for food, social activities and to reimburse the parents' travel costs.

Launched in October 2007, the club meets every Thursday throughout the year from 12:30 to 14:30. It is open to all mums and dads in the area - with our without their children - and offers a time to socialise and share experiences.The group has grown to regularly attract around a dozen young parents and their children. 'The success is all down to Sara's enthusiasm and hard work,' said Hannah. 'We consider it a big achievement, and our chief executive, Terry Eckersley is really proud of the club. 'Sara is a real unsung hero in the community, she has done an outstanding job.'

Jade has been coming to the club most weeks with her young son Steven.'Sarah invited me along,' said Jade. 'I come here to meet with other mums and to chill out together. All us mothers are in the same boat. 'It's a great time to relax and chat while Steven goes off to play.'

At Christmas the club put on a special party for the mums and gave presents to all the children. Celebrations are also held for the children's birthdays.'Sara is wonderful at making the parents feel special,' added Hannah. 'Last week she brought a homemade cake for one of the children's first birthday. It may seem a small thing but it had a big impact on the mums, dads and kids.'

When the weekly meeting fell on 14 February 2008, the club put on another party to celebrate St Valentine's Day. Sara made special party packs of sweet and other treats for the young parents to take home, and gave gifts to each of the children.

With the popularity of the club, the YMCA has made plans to move out of the room where the club is now held and into the Ypod's main hall.Sara is hoping to secure more financial support with a bid to the Youth Opportunities Fund.The leaders asked the young parents what support they would like, and many requested an opportunity to learn new skills.The young mums were keen to train as nail artists or other skills that they could use alongside their childcare commitments, or to learn a skill so they can work from home.Other members of the group hoped that, if the bid was a success, funding would be offered so they could learn to drive and become more independent.

If you would like to join the club contact Sara Brownsea on 07824 741900.

Hannah Burns, Rosie Holt, Sara Brownsea, Charlotte Thompson, Jade Anders

Group leaders Hannah Robinson and Sara Brownsea