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Starting Out
Starting Out is a community based support program for young, pregnant and parenting women up to the age of 25 years, their children and partners.
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Starting Out provides a range of services to improve young families’ health and social outcomes including:
- Pregnancy counselling and information about all of the options available including; becoming a parent, abortion and adoption
- Counselling about problems such as relationship difficulties, family conflict, parenting problems or stress
- Pregnancy and birth education and support
- Support and information from young parents who have had additional training as Peer Support Workers
- Outreach support to develop skills in parenting and practical living
- Information, assistance and referral to other services including health, legal, financial, childcare, employment and education
- Support for families in transitional housing
- Playgroups where young parents and their children can meet, play and learn in a supported environment
People who can access the service
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Young people who live in the municipalities of Boroondara, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Whitehorse, and Yarra Ranges and who are:
- Pregnant or parenting and 25 years of age or younger
- Concerned about pregnancy or parenting
- Wanting someone to talk to
- Wanting contact with other young parents
- Needing somewhere to live
How Starting Out works
Our staff have a particular interest in working with young parents, and are sensitive to their needs.
Together, young parents and staff can identify the family's needs and services that will best suit their situation. At regular times, parents and staff review whether the family's needs have changed and if other support services are needed.
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In addition to the services provided, Starting Out also offers a range of groups where young parents can meet and talk with other young parents in a safe and friendly environment and:
- Parenting skills can be developed
- Common experiences can be shared
- Children can play with others and experience a range of activities designed for their age and development
- Friendships and support networks can be built
- Parents can find out more about their pregnancy and their children's growth and development
How clients can benefit from the service
Young pregnant or parenting women can receive important support and information that can improve their own physical and mental wellbeing and that of their child, both before and after birth.
How this service benefits the community
By providing young pregnant or parenting women with pre and post-natal support and information, Starting Out enhances the physical and mental health of the young women and their babies.
Peer Support Training
Starting Out offers a training course for young parents who would like to develop their knowledge and skills further, in order to support other young parents in their community. This training can also be a step towards future education or employment. Peer Support Training is offered every second year.