Learning to drive is something many of us take for granted, however for the young parents in our community this luxury can simply be too far out of reach.
These days, a single driving lesson costs around $90 and the driving test costs on average $75. So to even apply for a Learner’s licence can be several hundreds of dollars that the young parents simply don’t have when preparing for a baby.
This is where Encircle Community Service’s Young Parents Program (YPP) is making a difference. Now in its 35th year, Encircle Community Service’s YPP offers group antenatal education, peer support connections, and referrals to relevant services for pregnant and parenting families from Greater North Brisbane.
According to YPP Senior Practitioner, Talitha Eckermann, the biggest issues for young parents are the cost of living, social isolation, affordable and stable housing, domestic and family violence, and access to adequate, affordable and timely mental health support.
Ms Eckermann said there is an immediate need for financial support to help young parents in the program gain their drivers licence, and is inviting expressions of interest from local businesses and organisations.
‘With cost of living skyrocketing for our young parents, many are navigating public transport to save money, but are struggling with inconvenient timetables and routes to get to their destinations, and the logistics of carrying baby capsules, prams and nappy bags, or being heavily pregnant across multiple modes of transport,’ she said.
‘Our young parents want and need the independence that comes with the ability to drive to hospitals, appointments, mothers’ groups, child health appointments, employment, study and other community services and facilities, but face numerous financial hurdles with obtaining their licence.’
Encircle Community is putting the call out to our community in order to seek support to help vulnerable young mothers obtain their licence for greater independence and convenience.
The program has recently moved from Stafford Road to the heritage-listed premises at 12 Emerald Street, Kedron. It is open now with its official launched planned for September where YPP will continue to deliver programs that support young parents, help build peer connections, and provide information from a variety of services including midwives and child health nurses.
To provide financial support for the program’s independent transport drive, interested organisations can contact Talitha Eckermann on 0420 794 527 or [email protected]