Young Family Speak to College Students - 31/01/11

Students at the Sheppey Campus of Canterbury College have been hearing from a couple who were invited to speak to them about the pressures of being parents at a young age.

Jade Dudley, 21 and Marcus Lind, 22 spent a morning with a group of Level 1 Hair and Beauty students where they had a frank discussion about how life had changed since the arrival of their daughter Lily-May in March last year.

The couple, who are involved with the Seashells Children’s Centre, were invited to the campus, on Bridge Road in Sheerness to speak to the students as part of the Personal and Social Development aspect of their course.

Jade, who was 19 when she fell pregnant, and Marcus told the group about how they have been affected financially and how bringing up a child puts stresses on a relationship.

Jade said: “I think it’s really important we’re able to tell students about what life has been like for us. Being a parent is the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I don’t think a lot of people realise exactly how difficult it is.”

Marcus, who is an Assistant Dad’s Worker at Seashells Children’s Centre, added: “Having a baby doesn’t mean you get a nice flat and more money, we were placed in horrible accommodation, I have worked really hard so we can rent our own property but it’s not been easy.”

Students at the Sheppey Campus will also get the opportunity to visit Seashells to see the work they do and what is available to young parents.

Steve Chevis, Family Outreach Coordinator from Seashells Children’s Centre, said: “It’s vital that this sort of work happens. It’s important for young people to know about the challenges of becoming a parent, but if they do become parents at a young age it’s also just as important they know about the support that’s available to them.”

Fay Morgan, Vocational Team Leader in the Hair and Beauty Department at Sheppey campus said: “It’s fantastic for the students to hear from people like Jade and Marcus and they all learnt a lot from them. As part of their Personal and Social Development the students will also take part in sessions on Healthy Living, Working With Others and Social Relationships.”

For more details email Nicola Everett or call 01227 811347