Teenage Parents
Extra support available for teenage parents who might have extra challenges, like handling people’s attitudes or finishing school.
Teenage Pregnancy Support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry – we’re here to help. There’s lots of information on this website about you, your baby and what will happen in the coming months. There are a wide range of services to support you during pregnancy and after you’ve had your baby.
There is also additional support available for if you want to continue your education after school into apprenticeships, further or higher education.
Can I carry on with my education while I'm pregnant?
You can stay at school up until the birth and then return to school afterwards.
Taking time away from school to have a baby is treated like any other leave of absence. Schools are expected to act reasonably and grant a sufficient period of leave from school, taking into consideration the specific circumstances of each case.
But until you’re 18, you still have to either:
- stay in full-time education (for example, at college)
- start an apprenticeship or traineeship
- work or volunteer (for 20 hours or more a week) while in part-time education or training
The law says colleges, universities or your apprenticeship employer are not allowed to treat you unfairly if you’re pregnant or have had a baby.
Help with childcare costs
The Care to Learn scheme can help some people with childcare costs while they study on some types of courses, such as sixth-form courses.
Hartlepool One Stop Support
The One Stop is a service for young people aged between 16 and 19. We offer an inclusive service from one location where young people can access help and support for a wide range of issues from homelessness to education while pregnant and much more.
Drop in to One Stop – (Pathfinders), Villiers Street, Hartlepool TS24 7SA
Monday to Thursday from 9:15am till 5pm or every Friday from 9:15am-4.30pm, or call 01429 284043.
You are not alone
Becoming a parent is hard work, and it can be even harder without family or friends around to support you. You may be worried about how you will cope financially or how you will continue to study or afford childcare while looking after your baby.
Family Lives is available if you need someone to talk to call our free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 222 or pop into one of our hubs for a chat and we can provide you with support available.
Financial and Housing Support
Shelter provides extra support on how to ask for and where to get housing aid from the Council. You can also go to Citizens Advice.
You might be eligible for a Sure Start Maternity Grant on GOV.UK, or Healthy Start vouchers for free milk, vegetables and vitamins which you can collect at our Health Visitor Advice Drop-In & Baby Weigh Clinic. Find out more about Maternity and paternity benefits and leave here.
Hartlepool Baby Bank and VCS Support
Hartlepool Baby Bank are a source of clothes, toys and equipment for parents and parents-to-be. They can provide you with everything you need for when baby comes if you are struggling to afford these items yourself.
There is plenty support available across the town and from our Family Hubs pop in for chat if you’re unsure where to turn to first.
Register with us
Fill out the form below for updates on our in person and virtual classes and other types of support relevant to you! Please download and read the Consent Form before applying.
Register with us
Fill out the form below for updates on our in person and virtual classes and other types of support relevant to you! Please download and read the Consent Form before applying.
