Young mums get out and about

Tyler, 3, gets the feel of the saddle, under the watchful eye of his mother Rachael, at a Young Parents Program riding afternoon.

Ask most new mums how hard it is to sometimes find time to get out of their pyjamas — let alone get out of the house — after sleepless nights and while feeding their babies, and you realise how easy it is to become socially isolated.

Add to the mix having friends who are still at school or uni without parental responsibilities, having no job and little money, limited support and a feeling of being judged when they do step out … with children, prams and nappy bags … and you have the situation many teenage mothers face. 

The Young Parents Program (YPP) in Brisbane’s northern suburbs is helping these young mums to get out and get active thanks to funding through the Department of Communities’ Sport and Recreation Active Inclusion program.

YPP coordinator Shirley Peppler says the program is overcoming barriers to young pregnant women and mothers getting active and improving their physical and emotional health and wellbeing.

“The activities are open to pregnant women aged 19 and under and to mums aged 23 and under who had their first baby when they were teenagers,” says Shirley.

“We have now held two horse riding days, a circus skills session, gym and aerobics sessions and skating sessions.

“We have a pram-friendly bushwalk organised as well.”

Shirley says in addition to the physical benefits, these young mums are making friends and developing support networks.

YPP participant, Sam, mum to a 10-month-old daughter, has attended the horse riding and gym sessions.

“The program helps a lot, especially for young mums who can’t socialise,” says Sam.

“It’s a good organisation.”

Applicants have until October 28 to apply for the current round of Sport and Recreation Active Inclusion program grants.

For information go to www.communities.qld.gov.au/sportrec and click on Funding and then Overview of all funding programs in the dropdown menu or phone 1300 656 191.

For information about the Young Parents Program phone 3357 9944.