Young Parents find their feet with BabyData guide

A brand new guide especially for young parents has been produced by Chester-le-Street Learning District Partnership. Packed full of local information it focuses on the particular needs of younger mums and dads in Chester-le-Street and Durham, offering hints and tips on health, welfare and education.

The Baby Data Handbook covers everything from Baby Clinics to Benefits and Childcare to Careers. It points the way to a whole range of services designed to support teenage parents who are likely to want education, health, career and finance information as well as the usual childcare choices.

Local Children Centre staff say “Young parents in our area generally do a fabulous job of looking after their babies and finding what’s best for them, but they have so very much to think about and plan for their own and their baby’s future – we wanted them to be able to find people and services locally who can give them a bit of friendly advice. This is where our Baby Data handbook can help.”

A new mum added, “Baby Data is so much more than just another childcare leaflet. It’s all local, with all the phone numbers – I’ve already worked out who to ask about getting back to college a bit later on.”

And to keep everyone on their toes, there’s lots of information too on activities, storytimes, play sessions and songs – staff at the Children’s Centre say “Once a baby has arrived Mums and Dads need to stay fit and happy too, so we’ve also included details on where to meet other parents, along with a new contact especially for Dads who can give them some personal support in their crucial role.” Other chapters include advice on stopping smoking, emergency contacts, learning opportunities and childcare provision.

The Baby Data Handbook is available in Durham and Chester-le-Street libraries and Sure Start centres and also from Connexions, Health Visitors, Community Midwives and School Nurses.

It will appear on the websites of Chester-le-Street District Council; Durham City Council; New College Durham; County Durham and Darlington Primary Care Trust; Connexions; and the 14-19 County Durham Partnership.

Clever Clogs Press, 12 May 2008