Because of our Young Parents Pathway, a single mum and her baby are thriving

Becoming a parent always brings its fair share of challenges, but for young people, those issues can become even more pronounced. Financial instability, not living independently, and less life experience can mean that younger parents to be find the transition especially tough. 

Sarah Aitchison, who works as a Customer Support Coordinator on PfP’s Young Parents Pathway, spends her days supporting parents aged 16-25 to maintain a safe home for themselves and their children.  

But every now and then, a story really touches Sarah’s heart, and Emily’s* was one of them. Referred to PfP by her health visitor whilst pregnant, Emily was supported by the team into suitable accommodation for her and her growing family. 

"When I first met Emily, it was clear she was carrying a huge amount of responsibility. While pregnant, she was caring for both her parent and siblings, and the family home had become overcrowded, making it unsustainable for the long term. She needed a place of her own where she could prepare to become a mum herself. She came to us in November, and by Christmas we had a tenancy ready for her," Sarah explained. 

Sarah helped Emily move into 24-hour supported accommodation, where she received round-the-clock support to build the confidence and skills needed to live independently and manage a home before her baby arrived. 

Emily’s son was born in January, and Sarah’s team remained in regular contact as she adjusted to the major life change. Once her little boy was no longer a newborn, Sarah began to have conversations with Emily about what equipment they’d need to support the next stage of his development. 

"Emily was only 18, so there was a lot she simply hadn't had the chance to prepare for. She was also on a low income, which made things even more challenging. We worked closely with the professionals supporting her, including her health visitor, who helped us understand what she needed to create a safe sleeping environment and establish a good routine for her baby." 

When Emily’s baby was four months old, Sarah contacted local charity Love, Amelia and requested a cot and highchair, in preparation for baby to move to his own room and start eating solid food. Thanks to Sarah’s forward thinking and proactivity, Emily received both items for free before her son turned six months old, not spending even a day without essential equipment for her growing baby. 

“She was provided with the cot and mattress, so it was literally ready to go. It was lovely, we built it together. She was bursting with pride and so excited that the baby could sleep there at night. 

“I built the highchair with her as well, to provide safe routines, because it’s really important when weaning that they’re sat somewhere safe.” 

Beyond a safe and supportive environment for her son to grow up in, the new equipment has given Emily a new sense of confidence as a parent. 

"She’s started to realise how much she can do with her little boy now he’s in a high chair. It’s helped with weaning, but it’s also given her the confidence to spend more time doing activities with him. Seeing that confidence and independence grow has been wonderful, and it’s all down to her. 

"What really stayed with me was how excited she was to receive the cot and high chair. She said it felt 'like Christmas'. Seeing how much those simple things meant to her really hit home. Now, when I visit, her little boy is sitting happily in his high chair, smiling and content. Moments like that are exactly why I do what I do."  

We’re incredibly proud to count Sarah among our People. Through her dedication, compassion and unwavering support, a young mum facing a difficult start has been able to build the confidence and stability she needed as she adjusted to motherhood. 

Sarah’s story is a reminder that one person’s kindness can change a life. In this case, it’s changed two.  

*name has been changed 

**stock image used to protect privacy