Genesis helps young parents fulfil dreams - 15/02/07
The chances of mums and dads in the Vale of Glamorgan getting
back into the world of training and education have been given a
huge boost over the past 12 months.
Thanks to a unique initiative called The Genesis Project, in
excess of 100 young parents are now able to fulfil their dreams and
potential.
The project aims to remove the barriers many parents face when
seeking to return to training, education and, ultimately,
employment. To achieve this, it offers help, support and advice to
parents along with subsidised childcare.
Part of an all-Wales organisation linked to key central
government initiatives and partly funded by the Objective 3
European Social Fund, the project is delivered locally through the
Vale Council's Children and Young Peoples Framework
Partnership.
The project helps parents locate a suitable college course,
secure childcare places and provide payment for these places, and
two local mums have spoken of how it has turned their lives
around.
Twenty-year-old Kirsty Spear, and Rachel Gilvear, 28, have been
accessing the project since September and October last year
respectively.
Kirsty is mum to two-year-old James, and Rachel to one-year-old
Madison, and both are in the process of completing full-time access
to nursing courses at Barry College.
As well as helping out with childcare costs during term time,
the project is also ensuring their toddlers are looked after in the
holidays so the mums can get on with their course work.
Rachel said: "I found out about the Genesis Project from a girl
in college. Without it, I wouldn't have been able to manage. I'm in
four days a week full time. And, after this year, I'll be in
university for three years."
Kirsty said: "The girls at the project are so great. They have
helped us so much, and are so supportive and you can talk to them
so easily."
Based at Unit 12, the Community Enterprise Centre, Skomer Road,
Barry, the project team is Rachel Nugent-Finn and Vickie
Breadmore.
Looking forward to the challenges ahead, Rachel said: "Both
Vickie and I have enormous commitment to the Vale of Glamorgan and
look forward to working with all families to offer every
opportunity of a brighter future."
• If you are unemployed or on a low income and looking after
children prevents you from developing new skills and improving your
employment, please contact Rachel on (01446) 730852. All
information can be obtained in Welsh.