Overview

Young Mums Support Network provides support, training and development to young mothers in deprived arrears. It aims to empower young women to make informed decisions about their lifestyle and relationships. YMSN has formed partnerships with organisations including The NHS, The Harris Academy, Department of Work & Pensions and the local authority Housing Associations. Fiona Small set up YMSN in 2011. Fiona had her son shortly after the London Riots, where burning buildings and devastation on her doorstep compelled her to take action. She wants to bring about change in the community by offering access to support systems. Fiona firmly believes that it is only through breaking cycles that change will happen for the next generation. Current programs include Ladies Lunch, which provides advice and guidance about nutrition and teaches mums how to cook a healthy meal on a low budget. 'Ready Steady Work' gets mums back into employment, while 'Mums In Business' teaches 'mumpreneur' skills. YMSN also offers advocacy and mentoring. YMSN’s ambition is to grow all projects across England, remove the stigma of underage pregnancy and help mums across the country realise their potential. For more information: fiona@ymsn.co.uk tom@ymsn.co.uk kit@ymsn.co.uk 'While attending Young Mums Support Networks group at the children centre I met a lot of new mums and their children, but one mum and myself clicked from the start we have had a friendship ever since and are still very close up to now all thanks to YMSN.' Young mum, Samantha