Project supports young mothers

AIM: Nurses have helped thousands of mums to give their babies the best start

Thousands of young mothers and their babies have received support through a programme led by specially trained nurses and midwives over the past nine years.

Launched in 2010, the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) is an intensive, two-and-a-half year home visiting programme for first-time mothers aged 19 and under, and eligible 20-24 year olds.

Family nurses support mothers to give their baby the best start in life – and also help with mental health and confidence, housing, education and employment.

A report evaluating the service found that those involved in the FNP feel that its strengths include taking a “holistic approach to breaking inter-generational cycles of poor care-giving”, reducing the risk of abuse.

They also highlight the supportive nature of the nurse-client relationship and the way it supports children’s development and positive parenting.

Public health minister Joe Fitz Patrick said: “This initiative has helped thousands of young mothers build the confidence and skills they need to provide the right support for their baby.

“Together with the introduction of the Baby Box, this programme supports our vision that every child in Scotland is given the best start in life and mothers receive the right care and support.”

There are currently more than 200 family nurses delivering the programme across 11 health board areas, and a new national report has found that 82% of eligible mothers have taken part.

The report said that in the past nine years, more than 6,000 young women have benefited from the programme.

Shannon Elliott, a young mother who is using the service, said: “Family Nurse Partnership has been great for me. I wouldn’t have breast-fed without a family nurse. I have learned to believe in myself and my abilities.”