We want to support you through pregnancy and early parenthood. This is an exciting time and an important step in your journey into adulthood.
As your Corporate Parent, we will take on a supportive, parental role. This includes offering the kind of guidance and reassurance a “grandparent figure” might provide. We aim to give you stability, compassion and consistent support, so you feel respected and confident in your parenting.
We will recognise what you are doing well and help you with any areas where you need extra support.
Our commitment to care experienced parents
We know becoming a parent can bring both joy and new challenges. We are committed to making sure every care‑experienced parent receives the support, respect and understanding they deserve.
Our promise to you
Your experiences in care may influence how you approach parenting and ask for help.
We will listen to you, value your views, and respect that you are the expert in your own life and your child’s life.
How we will support you
Supporting you as a parent
We will:
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offer guidance, not criticism
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provide practical and emotional support based on your needs
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help you access antenatal and postnatal care, children's centres and community groups
Building a safe home and stable finances
We will:
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support you with housing applications and maintaining your tenancy
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give advice on budgeting, benefits and financial stability
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help you plan for your future as a family
Education, employment and training
Becoming a parent does not mean giving up your ambitions.
We will help you to:
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access education, apprenticeships or training
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explore employment options
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balance your goals with your parenting responsibilities
Giving your child the best start
We will:
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support you with childcare options
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help you access health services such as midwives, health visitors and mental health support
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celebrate your child’s milestones with you and your family
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link you with our Family Hubs for local groups and activities
Celebrating you
You are more than your care experience.
We promise to:
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recognise your strengths
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value your resilience
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support your identity, culture and the values you want to pass on to your child
Our commitment as your corporate parent
We are committed to:
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being consistent, trustwirthy, and available
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communicating information in a clear and supportive way
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working with compassion, kindness and ambition for you and your child
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ensuring your voice shapes the services you receive
You and your child matter to us. You are part of our care family, and we will support you every step of the way.
Who to contact
Within Hartlepool, our services for care‑experienced parents are always developing. We take our role as corporate parents seriously, and aim to provide the best outcomes for our care leavers.
If you would like more information about our support or our care experienced parents offer, speak to your Personal Adviser or our Care Experienced Parent Lead.
Should you have any queries in relation to being a Care Leaver who is or is about to become a parent, please contact:
Jodie McNally - Care Experienced Parent Lead.
Tel: 01429 405588