Young Parents Support Service and Summer Event

The ESL Young Careers and Pathways Team includes a critical and unique young parents support service that is delivered by Nicky Lawrence and Jules Cook, experienced Learning Mentors. Following an in-depth review, Nicky and Jules transferred to ESL from the Meriton Hospital Education Service just over a year ago.  

Through this transition, Nicky and Jules have continued to work closely with other family, health and education support services, providing intensive and personalised support to young parents so they can overcome the barriers to education, employment and training. They help young parents find courses, childcare and funding. They also provide signposting and handholding so that parents can access critical wraparound support services, particularly housing and welfare benefits.  

Nicky and Jules have really benefited from joining up with other parts of the Employment, Skills and Learning service. This year they have worked closely with the Community Learning Team to set up accessible maths and English courses – critical to get young parents onto positive career pathways and to help their children’s learning.  

Huge thanks and congratulations to Nicky and Jules for organising a successful young parent summer picnic on College Green this week, supported by colleagues from the Central Bristol Children’s Centre and Places for People Kilburn Court Young Mothers Housing. This provided a fantastic opportunity for the mums and children to relax and have fun, building confidence through meeting up with other young parents outside their immediate community.  

For more information, contact Jules (south and central) jules.cook@bristol.gov.uk or Nicky (north and east) nicola.lawrence@bristol.gov.uk.