Young Parents’ Specialist Service

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This is a specialist service offered to all young women who are under 19. The young parent’s midwives provide specialist guidance and support for young parents throughout pregnancy, and following the birth.

The young parents’ specialist Midwives work alongside other partnership agencies to ensure that all families have access to a robust package of support. The Young parent’s needs will be assessed on an individual basis, referrals can then be made to a variety of agencies in order to provide a holistic service which can provide advice, information and support on the following issues; housing, benefits, education and employment, mental health, domestic abuse, drug and alcohol misuse, sexual health and contraception. Young Dads can also access support services in Manchester and Salford.

The Young parents’ team work closely with the health visiting service, and family nurse partnership (not available in all areas) and with children’s social care.

Our staff 

Oxford Road Campus, Salford and Trafford

Consultant obstetrician for young parent’s; Dr Whitworth

Midwives; Karen Nuttall, Kelly Davin and Rebecca Bridgeman

Wythenshawe Campus

Midwife; Donna Roney

Our Philosophy

The young parent specialist midwives at Manchester Foundation Trust offer young parents holistic, woman centered care, tailored to each young person’s individual needs.

We endeavor to empower young parents to assume responsibility for their health and the health of their families, by supporting them to stabilize other aspects of their life which may impact on their ability to achieve this.

We offer a support package to enable the young parents to feel equipped and prepared to meet the challenges of parenthood and enjoy this exciting journey.

What is offered?

  • Antenatal care.
  • Individual parent education.
  • Young parents will be signposted or offered a referral to partnership agencies in order to provide information and support regarding housing, benefits, education and employment, mental health, domestic abuse, drug and alcohol misuse, sexual health and contraception.
  • Postnatal care up to 28 days following birth (dependent on address).

What you are entitled to in pregnancy?

  • All pregnant teenagers under 18 are entitled to free milk, fruit and veg and vitamins see useful links – Healthy Start Vouchers.
  • If you or your parents are claiming Universal credit, Job Seekers Allowance or Income support you can apply for a Sure Start Maternity Grant from 29 weeks. See useful links.
  • If you are not entitled to it in pregnancy you may be able to get it once you have had the baby and are claiming Universal credit, Income support. You have up to 3 months after the birth to apply for the Sure Start grant
  • If you are working you may get Maternity pay or Allowance. Please speak to your employer about what they provide.
  • Free Dental Treatment and Free Prescriptions – all pregnant women are entitled to these.
  • Referral to charitable organisations to help with acquiring equipment and clothing.

Clinics and Locations

Saint Mary’s Oxford Road Campus

Antenatal booking appointments are offered at Saint Mary’s Hospital Oxford Road Campus, Saint Mary’s at Salford antenatal clinic or at home. Flexible appointment times are offered Monday – Friday.

Follow up clinic at Saint Mary’s Oxford Road Campus antenatal clinic:

Monday’s (excluding bank holidays) 1.30 pm – 5.00 pm.

The Teenage Pregnancy Support service run a drop-in service alongside this clinic to offer support around benefits, education, employment & housing.

Follow up clinic at Saint Mary’s at Salford antenatal clinic:

Wednesday’s 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm.

Appointments also available on Wednesday’s at Gorton Sure Start Centre, Stelling Street, Gorton, M18 8LW

Wythenshawe Hospital

Follow up antenatal clinic:

Tuesday’s 1.30 – 5.00 pm

Sharston Children’s Centre, Poundswick Lane, Wythenshawe M22 9TA

Wednesday’s 10.00 – 1.30pm

Young parents midwife available alternate Mondays (excluding bank holidays) at Sale Talkshop Tatton Road, Sale M33 7EB hours of service may differ therefore please call for appointment 0161-912-2453 (currently suspended due to covid pandemic)

How can I access the clinic?

Young women can self-refer to the service by telephone. Alternatively referrals can be taken from GP’s, community midwives, school nurses, Brook, social workers, etc.

Contact details

Oxford Road Campus, Salford and Trafford

ypg.specialistmw@mft.nhs.uk

(0161) 276 4245

Wythenshawe campus

(0161) 291 2893

Donna.Roney@mft.nhs.uk  /  maternity.safeguarding@mft.nhs.uk

Useful links and resources

If you are a Manchester resident aged under 18 you may access additional support from Teenage Parent Coordinator Alice Rogers: 07849 399195 or email alice.rogers@homestartmcr.org.uk