Family service helps 100th mum and baby
TEN years ago M3 Project set up its unique Teenage Family Service and this year the 100th mother and baby were provided with supported accommodation.
Over the years the project, based in Rawtenstall but operating across East Lancashire, has had many success stories, including Kirsty Scott who was 20, her relationship had broken down and she found herself pregnant despite being told she couldn’t have children.
Kirsty, from Haslingden, said: “M3 Project is an amazing organisation they help so many people. They helped change my life for the better without judgment or criticism. They are fantastic, each and every one of them.”
She was not used to signing on and a bout of morning sickness at the Jobcentre meant she missed her appointment and was unfortunately sanctioned.
Kirsty broke down in tears in the Jobcentre and was given a flyer for M3 Project
That afternoon she spoke to Senior Project Worker Joanne Aspin, who leads the project, and she was able to find her a house. Kirsty said: “Jo was my guardian angel. I had nothing to start out with because I had to sell the furniture from my previous home. Jo helped me get a sofa, a TV and everything for the baby including the cot.
“My baby Mitchell arrived almost two months premature, he weighed 3lb 2oz and was in hospital for about six weeks.
“I had been in hospital before his birth and Jo would come into the hospital and help me to make sure that all my bills had been paid.”
Kirsty is 30 this month and is a full-time carer for her father.
Although she has now left the project she said: “Because of what M3 did for me, I feel that I owe them in abundance.
“Every Christmas I give Mitchell’s good quality toys to M3 Project for the mums for their children because I know what it is like. M3 picked me up and put me back on track.”
The service provides accommodation and an intensive support package for young women who are pregnant or have a baby and are living in temporary, unsuitable or overcrowded accommodation.
Joanne feels they now have far more complex needs than when the project was set up, including a rise in young mothers experiencing mental health problems and post natal depression.
When the time is right, the project also encourages young women to get back into education or in to work.
To find out more about the charity visit www.rossendalem3.org/