New Young Mothers Project for Castletown

[Bill Fernie]

Ormlie Community Association is expanding their Young Mothers Project into the Castletown area. One year ago OCA secured funding from a wide range of agencies including YouthLink’s Cashback for Communities, The Highland Council’s Childcare and Family Resource Partnership and Wider Role through Pentland Housing Association to begin a project for young mother’s aged between 16 – 25 year olds. The aim of the project is to help develop young mothers, through a variety of life skills which would equip them for the future, once their children reach school age. Crèche facilities are provided by the Highland Council Surestart initiative and OCA which gives the mothers freedom to explore a range of subjects with their peers.

Local Health visitors have worked closely with OCA on the Thurso project and identified a need for a similar service in the Castletown area. Social isolation, lack of public transport and low income are some of the concerns that have been identified for the area. A programme has been devised which will address issues relating to health and wellbeing, child development, education and training and DIY/household matters. Early indications have identified over 20 mothers from the Castletown and surrounding area who are under the age of 25 years.

Lorna Simpson, OCA Manager said ‘the Thurso project has been very successful and from very early beginnings the project has grown and now has over 20 mums who attend on a regular basis. We believe that one of the reasons why the project has been so successful is the partnership approach that has been taken. OCA works closely with social work, health visitors, midwives, Homestart Caithness, Careers Scotland, Community Learning & Leisure Services and the Childcare and Family Resource Partnership. The mothers work closely with Claire on the development of the programme and over the first year have held a number of diverse sessions including yoga, ready steady cook, self defence, hair and beauty sessions, interior design as well as self development.

The Castletown project is being supported by Homestart Caithness and is free to any young mother from the area. Childcare is also provided free of charge by the Casper Club which is based at Castletown Primary School. The group is held in Castletown Youth Club on a Tuesday afternoon between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. The Thurso group is held in the Ormlie Centre, Henderson Street, Thurso on a Wednesday afternoon between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. There are also sessions for the younger teenage mums on Thursdays between 2.00pm and 3.30pm. For any more information please contact Claire Clark, Young Mums Co-Ordinator on 01847 891789 or 01847 893486 alternatively you can e-mail Claire @ Claire1clark@aol.com for more information.

[openminder]

Wot an excellent idea,, hope this works out!