Local young mums graduate from Family Nurse Partnership programme
A group of local, young and first time mothers recently graduated from the Family Nurse Partnership programme with the Southern Trust.
The mothers who signed up to the programme in 2016 also celebrated the milestone of their babies’ second birthdays at the event which was supported by the Department of Health, the Public Health Agency and the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Julie Flaherty.
The nurse-led home visiting programme is offered to young mums aged 19 and under and their families.
The same family nurse visits the mum and her family from early pregnancy until the child’s second birthday, taking them through a range of activities and supporting them with the many issues that families can face. Since 2012, over 200 young mums in the Southern Trust have benefitted from the programme.
Former client Helen Boyd shared her journey highlighting the very positive impact the Family Nurse Partnership programme had on her life.
She described the challenges and hurdles encountered from discovering she was pregnant, to adjusting to motherhood and ultimately moving into full-time employment. She described how instrumental the supportive relationship she shared with her family nurse was in enabling her to manage these challenges.
Congratulating the new graduates, Roberta Brownlee, Chair of the Southern Trust said, “Being a parent is of course so rewarding but as all of us mums and dads know it isn’t always easy. We all want the best for our children and sometimes we can worry that we aren’t doing our best. Becoming a mum for the first time is exciting and can also be scary for all kinds of reasons.
“We are delighted to have our team of Family Nurses not only to help you in the early days of meeting your baby, but also in the weeks and months that follow as they develop into toddlers.
“They also help young parents in dealing with common insecurities, getting them to think about their future aspirations for education, training and employment and supporting them to be the best parent that they can be.
“We are extremely proud of our new Family Nurse Partnership Graduates. Your beautiful toddlers are now 2 years old and you should be proud of all you have achieved together.
She added, “As Graduates, you will have a good idea of your own goals and what you would like to achieve after today, maybe you want to go to college, start a new career, take an apprenticeship – whatever you choose – we wish you well.”
Graduates were presented with a certificate of achievement and a commemorative cup, meanwhile, the children were entertained with arts and crafts.
Applications to Family Nurse Partnership should be made as early as possible in pregnancy (up to 28 weeks).
Applications can be received from anyone – any Health and Social Care professional, Teachers, a family member or you can self-refer.
For further information Tel: 028 3756 4631 or Email: catherine.magennis@southerntrust.hscni.net
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