Youth Services - PODS

Providing Opportunities and Developing Services for Young Parents

What is PODS?
PODS is a great new program that provides young parents (mums and dads) with support to continue or resume education or training.

Why study or train?
There are many benefits of furthering your education or training. These include:

• More career opportunities
• A more secure future for you and your child
• Friendship and social contact
• Mental stimulation
• Time out for yourself
• A sense of achievement

Who is PODS for?
To access PODS you must be

• Pregnant or parenting
• Under 20 years of age
• Interested in staying at school or returning to study or training

How can PODS help me?
It can be difficult to manage the competing demands of study and pregnancy/parenting.

PODS can help you by providing personal one-on-one assistance, tailored to your individual needs. This can include:

• Working with you and your school to develop flexible learning plans
• Helping you plan your study and training goals
• Links to career guidance
• Childcare placement
• Financial assistance to help with related education and training costs
• Ongoing support during your study/training
• Links to housing, financial counselling and other services

Does PODS offer anything else?
Yes, PODS will also be organising some fun and practical groups for young parents. Planning with young parents is underway. Contact Ballarat Community Health Centre to speak to the PODS worker if you would like to be involved or have any suggestions for topics.

More information from PODS forum held 22 April 2010

Dr Jenny Proimos Presentation Part 1

Dr Jenny Proimos Presentation Part 2

Read the     Evaluation Project Phase I Report

Young Parents Awards Nomination Form available here

To find out more about these or other services at Ballarat Community Health,
drop in to a site near you or call our central phone number: (03) 5338 4500.