28 March 2008 - Melbourne

1. HarmonyFree Antenatal Education for Young MumsPresenter:Lyn WardlawHospital:LynxKey contact person for this project Lyn Wardlaw(lyn.wardlaw@northlanddhb.org.nz) 28 March 2008 - Melbourne

2. KEY PROBLEM • There were no current support groups, parenting programmes, antenatal classes, coffee mornings or playgroups in Whangarei community specifically catering to teenage parents and /or their children. • Parenting programmes or support for teenage fathers in our community were non-existent. • In 2007, Northland had 160 pregnant females under 18 yrs of age, majority being in Whangarei. Ethnicity predominantly Maori. • To capture a minimum of 50% of this group who are currently not attending alternatives to antenatal/life skill activities. • The current antenatal classes did not cater to young mums – geared towards mums, who they perceived as, with more education, income and life experiences. • Young mums rarely came to classes offered, with a high drop out for those that did attend.

3. KEY PROBLEM • Responsible for all of Northland – geographically diverse area with a population of 148,500

4. AIM OF THIS PROJECT • To develop relevant antenatal and life skill classes, accessible for young female (aged 13-18 year olds) and male participants expecting a child. • Develop a programme that met the needs of this age group in a way that they could relate to what they were learning and therefore would attend. • Identification of other social needs and brokering support. • Provide encouragement, reminders and transportation to increase attendance. • Prepare young mums for all phases of their pregnancy, delivery, and post-natal responsibilities. • Provide relevant follow-up support groups and services that our young families need. • Facilitate community involvement and support • Volunteers • Community Organisations • PULSE (Whangarei Youth One Stop Shop) • Northland District Health Board • Ministry of Social Development • SPACE – Play Centre and AFARE

5. KEY CHANGES IMPLEMENTED • Changes to the ‘class’ environment and the way the courses are run • Relaxed, non-classroom setting • Whare/Marae based (Maori based environment) • Utilise ‘Art Sessions’ to determine individual needs of mums • All mums from the same peer group (feeling accepted in a non-judgemental atmosphere)

6. KEY CHANGES IMPLEMENTED • Several contacts to facilitate attendance • Face to face • Text reminders • Visits • Free transportation to & from site • Budget lunches and other life skill lessons • Agenda flexible – changed based on feedback from group

7. OUTCOMES SO FAR • 2007 there were 3 classes held with 30 girls attending over this period. • Our first class in 2008 had 18 mums, and our next class already has 22 registered. • Attendance throughout the 7 week course has increased. • Request for extended classes related to family violence, budgeting, etc… • Evening classes for “teenage dads” receiving good attendance which gives the ability to ask their own questions that relate to their needs. A male Public Health Nurse and male Midwife lead these sessions.

8. OUTCOMES SO FAR • This provides a positive approach to the young mums considering entering the teenage parent school, that is based on same site. • Positive verbal feedback from mums at the end of the course (many illiterate). • Word of mouth – letting friends know the class is ‘okay’ • Because they're not judged for being young and pregnant. • The type of environment. • The girls trust the presenters and volunteers and know that those providing the classes really like them and want the best for them.

9. PROJECT EVALUATION • Success measured in • increase numbers of young mums attending and staying in the class (if class was unsuccessful the girls would walk) • Feedback from the participants and referrals by word-of mouth (Increase in referrals from LMC’s and DHB Midwifery Service in Whangarei) • Community participation • Incorporate support groups following cessation of antenatal classes • Roll this out nationally!