A COURSE to help pregnant young women cope with motherhood is set to return to Swindon.

The Young Mums To Be course, run by U-Too Training, aims to provide information and support to new parents aged between 16 and 21.

Following its success last year, organisers have decided to run a new 12-week course from July 18.

Sessions will be held from 10am to 4pm on Wednesdays and Fri-days at the Link Centre.

And at the end of the 12 weeks each participant will have also gained an NVQ Level one in life skills and

parenting.

Gail McKay, the course organiser, said: "At first the idea of spending two days a week learning new skills seems quite daunting for the girls but once they get into it they really enjoy.

"Towards the end of the course they say they wished it was longer.

"Some of these young women leave school with no or few qualifications and it is easy for low self esteem to build up.

"But at the end they are thrilled to bits to receive their NVG. They do fantastically well," Ms McKay said.

Course topics include labour, budgeting, computer skills, advice on claiming benefits, diet and nutrition for mother and baby, and how to care for a baby's continuing needs.

Ms McKay added: "It's great that the sessions are to be held in the Link Centre. There are so many other activities available there it will help the girls broaden their horizons.

"There are creche facilities too so even after they have their babies they can still participate," Ms McKay said.

Graduates from previous courses include Anna Eagle, 17, from Penhill and Natalie Stuart, 18, who is from Park North.

Last year Anna, who is mum to one-year-old Callum, became the first person in the country to receive an NVQ Level One in the Young Mums To Be scheme.

Earlier this year the young women addressed a group of MPs, including Swindon South MP Julia Drown, comprising the Health Select Committee on sexual health issues.

They both endorsed the course, saying it had proved an invaluable learning curve before giving birth.

The course is ideal for those between two and seven months, although Gail would like to hear from anyone who is interested.

Some expectant mothers may be eligible to have their travel expenses paid. For more details on the course call Ms McKay or the course assessor Carolyn White on 07733 221433.