Emma Coles - Project Member 1998

My name is Emma, I am 30 years old and have a 14 year old son called Chad.

I joined the Teenage Parents Project in 1998 when 17 years old, the group gave me so much and I made some really good friends. While at the project I did courses that was funded by the Teenage Parents Project, I did Management Skills Course, Body Language Course and even did a Driving Crash Course- this lead on to me passing my driving test.

I had great fun with the group we did lots of activities ranging from cooking, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Massage, Day Trips and Weekends away.

It was so good for me as a young parent to get the support and opportunities I gained from the project. Deana Stone and her staffs do a wonderful job for young mums and their children and I hope the group continues to give the same support and opportunities to other young families. I carried out talks to local schools about the reality of being a young ‘parent’.

I am now married and have been for 8 years, own my own home and have a good job working full time at Callington Mental Health Hospital where I can give back the skills I gained from the project.

It seems so long ago now since I attended the project and I do really miss it, I am so grateful for all the help the project has given me and once again would like to thank Deana and the staff for all their wonderful support.



Shamaine Rew - Project Member 2000

During my time at the project I undertook lots of different courses and gained lots of new qualifications. I gained confidence and Self-Esteem that made me realise I was worthy of having as good and fulfilled life for me and my 3 children.

I completed a Child Care Course which enabled me to work in the Projects Creche but sadly due to funding I was unable to carry on working for the crèche so had to find employment and a secure job. With my new found confidence I was able to carry out a successful interview and gained employment in a school. I work in the kitchens and I am really enjoying the experience.

I would like to thank the project for all the opportunities they have given me and my children, my children enjoyed their time at the project and gained good pre school education which prepared them for mainstream nursery. I am now a stronger and happier person and I am thriving and enjoying my life- and so are my children.



Rebecca Jenkins - Project Member 2003-Present

Well where do I start…..

I have been attending the project for many years now, I started as an employed Creche Worker and then moved on to become a project member after discovering that I had fell pregnant at 19.

During my pregnancy I continued to work at the project, even then I had great support by all the staff and they aided any worries about my pregnancy and acted as a great support network.

After having my son I attended many sessions, courses and training which would become so beneficial to me as I grew into the person I have become.

Many times my confidence and Self-Esteem was at an all time low but I could always rely on the project to pick me up and keep me moving forward. As my confidence grew I was able to make positive decisions within my life and focus on becoming independent as a person and a mother.

This independence led me to becoming a Management Committee Member, which opened many doors for me and gave me a sense of ownership.

At last it felt like I was moving forward, I was now a young mother who was able to make decisions for myself, the project and the community.

During my time at Teenage Parents Project I gained many qualifications ranging from Basic Skills to NVQ Level 3 in Substance Misuse. As I became stronger and more independent I was able to put my skills to use, I did this by expandinginto the community, firstly by sitting on the board of directors for a European Funding Body. This, along with the project support had made me feel great within myself and with the European Funding Body I travelled to Glasgow and Spain to represent theBoard. I was later employed as a Substance Misuse Mentor with another local community project, this was a great experience and I gained lots of insight to the working environment, I was able to move off of income support and secure part time employmentthis helped boost my confidence even more. This piece of work came to an end due to funding so I needed a plan.

I approached the project to see if they would like me to help out with some administration on a voluntary basis as I did not want to lose the flow of work ethics I had gained, they kindly offered me some working hours and even put forward for my NVQ Level 3 in Administration and Business. I completed this in March 2010 and am now employed for the project for 16 hours; the staff inspired me to move further with education so I am now undertaking an FdA in Administration and Business Technology with Plymouth University, this is a 2 year course which I am currently enjoying.

Where would I be without the project, What would I be doing with my life, How would of things gone for me ……I don’t know the answers to these questions but what I do know is The Teenage Parents Project is an valuable service to this community and without it Young Families would not have the same great opportunities and fantastic support that I have received.

I would not be in the position I am today without them thank you so very much for all your help, support and love you have given to me and my son I truly appreciate the route you have shown me.



Member Case Study

Hello my name is Chantal,

When I first came to the project I was 17 years old and was pregnant with my first child, a friend who was already using the project invited me down to a drop-in. It was really good to interact with others who were pregnant and already mums. This got me out of the house and helped me socialise in a friendly environment.

When I gave birth to my beautiful daughter I continued to use the project, I was given the opportunity to go on a weekend residential with 9 other young parents, we did workshops on raising self-esteem whilst our children was looked after by the crèche staff. Me and my child gained a greater bond than before we went. The whole experiences boosted my confidence and lead me to take a First-Aid and Food and Hygiene Course back at the project.

At this time I had a part time job in a pub, due to my success in passing the Food & Hygiene Course I applied for work in a pub/restaurant where I worked for 2 years. I gained even more confidence and new skills, building positive relationships with customers and staff members.

This experience made me realise I wanted to further practice within a higher class restaurant. I was fortunate to be employed in the restaurant of choice; I have been working in this job for 2 years and am currently training in Management close where my duties and responsibilities are at a senior level.

I am now 21 years old and have started to use the project again to further my training; I am currently taking Pre-School Level 1. Since I returned I have been able to reflect on how this project changed my life, whilst away I forgotten how stable this service was for me. Because my present job is evening work this course is allowing me to explore other avenues.

I am pleased the project exist not only when I needed a crèche for my child in younger years but also now when my child is at school.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the project for its continuing service within our community as I would have not been able to achieve any of the above without it.