Alex* was 17 years old, suffering from anxiety and in a controlling relationship when she discovered she was twelve weeks’ pregnant.
Isolated from friends and family, a health agency recognised she needed support and connected Alex into MacKillop’s Cradle to Kinder (C2K) program. That’s when she met Meg, her Family Support Worker.
“I was full of anxiety when I met her,” said Alex. “Everything was scary – going to the hospital for an ultrasound was scary. But Meg guided me”.
Through C2K, Meg has assisted Alex regularly over the past two and a half years to build confidence in parenting and be more assertive with her former partner. From accompanying her to antenatal hospital appointments, linking her to a GP and childcare, supporting her to introduce solids to her infant and helping her to find a rental property. Alex describes the program as, “getting a kickstart in becoming a parent.”
Whilst Alex now confidently cares for her two-year old son, Meg still checks in regularly and is supporting Alex to get her driver’s licence. Meg describes Alex as gregarious, strong and resilient and is very proud of her achievements. “She is attending TAFE and can budget for bills, childcare fees and her daily living expenses.”
“I think every young, single mum should try to get involved (with C2K). It’s very rewarding. I learned a lot about myself and how to be confident and independent,” says Alex. “Not everything’s as scary as it used to be. Now I know I’m going the right way.”
*Name changed and stock image used to protect privacy
