Media Release: 25 November 2004

YOUNG MUMS ROCK! AND REACH OUT

Mothers and kids from the outer West will gather on Thursday 9 December 2004 at Mumbo Jumbo Indoor Playground, Melton, for a free fun day and launch of the 'Young Mums Rock' brochure.

The Young Mums Rock Fun Day goes from 10.30am to 2.30pm, and includes free lunch, free child-minding for under-twos, and free information showbags. The event has been organised by young mothers especially for other young mothers under 30, but everyone in the community is welcome.

The Fun Day is being organised "to provide support, and let people know they're not alone," says one young mother from the organising group. It also aims to raise awareness of services available to young mothers, especially in the Shires of Melton and Moorabool.

One highlight of the day will be the launch of the 'Young Mums Rock' brochure, which has been produced by young mothers involved in a support group, to reach out and help others like them. The brochure uses cartoons and quotes from young parents about the realities of their lives, and lists services that can help. "When you find a group like this, it's a relief to know you're not alone," says one mother from the group. "That other people are going through the same thing as you."

The brochure aims to give a 'realistic' picture of what it's like being a young mum, focussing on both the rewarding and more challenging aspects. "When you haven't had enough sleep, everything seems 50 times worse," says one mother. Another says, "You need someone to talk to, or you'll go crazy. You'll end up in a pile on the floor, feeling very alone." Others focus on social attitudes: "Even if you've got a boyfriend, if you're not married, you're seen as an 'unwed' mother. And if you're unwed, you're seen as unfit, somehow inferior."

Yet there are real advantages to being young: "Younger parents are still really active compared to some older parents. And they remember what it's like to be kids!" And as for any parents, there are so many rewards: "Watching them grow and explore," says one. "It's unconditional love," says another. "No matter what you do, even if you don't do everything right, they just come running up with hugs and kisses."

The Young Mums Rock event and brochure are part of an action research project on Women and Emotional Wellbeing being conducted by Women's Health West in association with Djerriwarrh Community Health Services and other key service providers in the region.

"We are learning so much from working directly with young mothers," says CEO Melissa Afentoulis. "This kind of action-focussed research project is the best way to find out about people's needs, and how health and other services can meet them better. The women involved have done all the real work on putting together both this innovative brochure and the Young Mums Rock Fun Day."

FIND OUT MORE about our work with diverse women and communities.

MEDIA CONTACT

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact our Chief Executive Officer Melissa Afentoulis or our Communications Officer on 9689 9588 or via email.