New charity launched to support teenage mums
By Megan Sayer
At the age of 16, when she first discovered she was pregnant, Bernadette Black made herself three promises: she’d finish her education, she’d be a great mum, and she’d write a book helping other young girls in her situation. Now 34, she has achieved all these goals and more. In 2009 she won the Barnardos Mother of the Year Award, and last month launched a new independent charity, the Brave Foundation, which offers advice and support to women facing teenage and unplanned pregnancies.

With the ethos “From unplanned pregnancy to happy and healthy families”, the Brave Foundation seeks to connect young women to help and resources in their local area, and to help them transition successfully into parenting and their new future.

Where to next?
In her interview with ultra106five’s Dave Wood, Bernie explains how from the time of her pregnancy as a teenager she felt the need for something to help young women transition into happy and healthy families. Her book, Brave Little Bear, published in 2006, offers hope and encouragement, yet she wanted something more for these women.

Since the launch of the book she has received many emails from girls or their families asking where they can get help, and where can they go to finish their education, which is the crucial step forward for young women facing teenage pregnancy.

This organization is not only for young mums but those around them, says Bernadette,  “It’s an awareness charity. If a friend, grandparent, aunt or uncle are aware, they can look up the website and find help”.

Together in one place
The Brave Foundation website, features a directory of services utilizing an online Google map. Simply by clicking on where you live it shows a list of relevant service providers in your area, from crisis accommodation to educational facilities. The Brave website also provides information on how to use a pregnancy test, what to do after you discover you’re pregnant, how to access help from Centrelink, as well as some great information and ideas on pregnancy and parenthood.

Looking to the future
We as a community need to remember that judgement helps nobody, but support and encouragement can make a world of difference in someone’s life. As Bernadette says, “It’s important that these girls don’t give up their dreams. The journey may be different, but the destination is the same”.