Becoming a parent can be a daunting prospect at any stage of life.

Imagine, then, facing the prospect of becoming a parent before you’ve had a chance to establish a career or even finish your schooling.

That’s the reality for many young South Australians, but a program run through the Women’s and Children’s Health Network is helping many of them to achieve better outcomes.

The Talking Realities Young Parenting Program is an accredited Flexible Learning Program for young pregnant women and parents under the age of 25, and according to Michel Wyman – the Young Parent’s Program Manager, Metropolitan Youth Health – the results speak for themselves.

“Young pregnant women and parents can be marginalised and may find it difficult to access education,” Ms Wyman said.

“Talking Realities provides a safe wrap-around program which supports education, parenting and health outcomes.”

Ms Wyman said  the program offered tailored learning to help young parents and parents-to-be achieve their SACE Certificate and/or VET Certificate III in Community Services – qualifications which could create pathways to further education.

“Students are also offered priority access to Metropolitan Youth Health Services, such as antenatal and clinical health services, therapeutic counselling support, and various other group programs,” she said.

Between 2023 and 2024, Talking Realities – a partnership between the Department for Education, Thebarton Senior College and Metropolitan Youth Health – had an average of 22 students enrolled each term.

We Are.SA spoke with four young mothers about their experiences with Talking Realities:

Salima, 20

“My name is Salima and I am a 20-year-old mum. I arrived from Uganda in March 2024.

“I am doing my SACE Certificate through Talking Realities.

“Staff have helped to guide me to make a career choice and we have benefited from the services in many ways, such as the immunisation which is good for our health.

“The team is always so helpful and they always listen to us, advising us,  guiding us

“When we came from Africa, even before starting the program here, the team organised and gave us clothing and bedding for my whole family which is what we needed.

“The program gives us direction. I came in confused with what my career path was and slowly I am on track now. I am so grateful."

Talena, 19

“I started Talking Realities back in 2021 when I was 16 years old and fell pregnant.

“I have two children. I think the biggest challenge young parents face is housing, communication with services and finishing year 12. I am 19 years old and finishing Year 12.

“Talking Realities helps with things outside such as providing support for housing, Centrelink, childcare and getting into courses and finishing school at any age before 25 years.

“I can do my education while my baby is being supported by the teachers.”

Taylah,18

“I’m 18 years old, I got pregnant at 16 years old and now have a beautiful daughter who is two years old.

“I think we benefit from the social interaction with each other and learning how to parent from each other and being able to have the opportunity to finish our education. I haven’t found another place which understands my mental health and supports me.

“The program has helped me and supported me through my toughest times and have given me so many opportunities to continue school while being a parent.”

Rechel, 22

“My name is Rechel, and I had a son in 2020.

“I have been attending Talking Realities on and off for four years, getting support with school and doctor’s appointments, and general help with my child.

“Coming here you get a support system and help with school and other appointments, and support with other calls. The program gives support and you can come until you are 25 which helps if you have to stop education sometime.”

For more information on the Talking Realities program click here (external site) (external site).