basis.point partner Barnardos to support at-risk teenage parents and their children
A more inclusive society is something that we all aspire to. Our latest partnership with Barnardos, supporting at-risk teenage parents, takes steps towards achieving this.
As part of our new developments and learning hub, basis.point have committed €30,000, for a one year period, to establish a Teen Parent Support Programme in Tallaght. The Teen Parent Support Programme supports young parents in their parenting role and in achieving life goals and educational opportunities, as well as responding to the welfare and protection needs of the child.
As an organisation, we were first introduced to Barnardos through the basis.point and Irish Funds Emergency Covid appeal. Our quest to deliver essential supplies to the most vulnerable throughout the country, afforded the opportunity to engage with a broader range of organisations delivering services to the most vulnerable.
Barnardos was one such organisation and we were struck by the commitment, empathy and connection between on the ground social workers and the extreme vulnerability of the cohort of teenage parents that we had, as of then, not managed to support.
Many of the Teen parents accessing Barnardos services are from areas with high levels of poverty, substance abuse, crime, unemployment, homelessness and low levels of educational completion. And their children are at risk of suffering abuse or neglect.
On the latest addition to our portfolio of educational partners, Edel O’Malley, CEO of basis.point commented;
I am delighted to be working with Barnardos on this very important programme supporting young teen parents. The work that Barnardos does is invaluable in working with children and young adults to help them shape their own futures.
The programme takes a holistic approach to parent and child well being, addressing the many issues that often stem from teenage pregnancy: individual child support until the child is two, advice about pregnancy and babies health and development, assistance navigating access to housing and healthcare, and support for remaining in or returning to education and training. Young fathers are also actively encouraged to take part in the programme.
basis.point is committed to levelling the educational playing field so that every child may have the opportunity to reach their potential. Teenage pregnancy is often viewed as a barrier to education. It is hoped that working with Barnardos, our support of the Teenage Parent Support Programme, will go some way towards alleviating the inter-generational cycle of educational disadvantage and give these young people and their children, an opportunity to thrive.
