Congratulations to this group of young mums who have graduated from the Southern Trust’s Family Nurse Partnership programme.
Fifty-six first time mothers who signed up to the programme towards the end of 2013 are now celebrating the milestone of their babies’ second birthdays.
Supported by the Department of Health and the Public Health Agency, Family Nurse Partnership has proven to improve health, wellbeing and self-sufficiency of first time young parents and their children. 
First developed in the USA over 30 years ago, it is offered to young mums aged 19 and under.
The same family nurse visits the mum and her family from early pregnancy until the child’s second birthday, taking them through a range of activities and supporting them with the many issues that families can face.
Congratulating the graduates, Roberta Brownlee, Chair of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said: “Being a parent is of course so rewarding but as all of us mums and dads know it isn’t always easy. We all want the best for our children and sometimes we can worry that we aren’t doing our best.
“So we were delighted to have a team of Family Nurses to support our young mums to help give their babies the best start in life, giving young parents help with dealing with the many common insecurities and a place to turn to if they need advice.
“Family Nurse Partnership is a great example of how through early intervention we can focus on the future health and wellbeing of child and mother and have a positive influence on the long term outlook for families.
“We are extremely proud of young parents – all of their beautiful babies and toddlers are a true credit to them. We wish them all the very best and look forward to seeing what the future holds for them.”
Graduates from the programme were presented with a certificate of achievement, a commemorative cup and an individually boxed celebration cupcake, provided by ‘Just Baked’, which is run by Ms Shannon Henderson one of the young mums graduating at the event.
Applications to Family Nurse Partnership should be made as early as possible in pregnancy (up to 28 weeks). Applications can be received from anyone – any Health and Social Care professional, teachers, a family member or you can self-refer. For further information Tel: 028 3741 2259 or Email: mairead.donnelly@southerntrust.hscni.net
Main picture: Young mums graduating with the family nurse team and Mrs Elizabeth Mahood, Non Executive Director.
Inset 1: Calypso Hall FNP graduate, Olivia Delaney Family Nurse and Julie McConville Head of Health Visiting and School Nursing.
Inset 2: Amy Willis with her baby Vanessa, May Anderson Family Nurse, Mairead Donnelly Family Nurse Supervisor and Julie McConville Head of Health Visiting and School Nursing.
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