Young mums stepping up
COOKING, managing money, driving a car — they might seem like small steps, but a group of young mums is making giant leaps in a Hobart City Mission program.
Small Steps is a live-in parenting and life skills program for young mothers and their children. The program, which has been running for seven years, was created in response to a need for supported accommodation for mums aged under 25 at risk of homelessness.
Mums and their children can stay in the facility for up to two years as they learn skills, further their education, seek housing and employment.
An example of some of the support provided on-site was a recent visit by St John Ambulance, which provided a child first aid course.
Small Steps life skills mentor Kylie King said it was invaluable for training providers to visit the centre to educate the young mums, who often lacked confidence to seek help.
“A lot of them don’t have licences, so it can be hard to access support,” Ms King said.
“They have a lot of anxiety attending classes in the community. It was a really nice thing for St John to do this.”
Ms King said one of the biggest hurdles faced by Small Steps participants was judgment and stigma around young parents.
“I didn’t realise how bad it was until I worked here. For the girls it’s one of their main concerns … the opinions of people on the outside. They have a lot of trouble with other services,” she said.
“They are particularly strong young women and they have been through a lot. They are very adaptable and brave.”
Chloe Campbell, 23, mum of 18-month-old Adena Devine, has been at Small Steps for a short time after facing homelessness due to a relationship breakdown.
“I couldn’t find anywhere else and we were in the women’s shelter before here. I’m getting some extra skills and (looking for) more permanent housing,” she said.