BARRY'S teenage mums will benefit from a unique partnership offering support and guidance.

Young expectant parents and those who have just given birth can now enjoy a range of facilities at the Gladstone College, part of Barry College.

The Partnership for Young Parents scheme was launched on Friday, - the result of a coalition between the Vale of Glamorgan Council, SureStart and Barry College.

The partnership hopes to give young mums in the Vale an opportunity to complete their education, support them in personal and practical home-care issues and enable them to secure future employment.

Offering free support, education and guidance to women under 20 who have left school due to pregnancy, the project provides a safe, relaxed environment for the young mothers.

They can study secure in the knowledge that childcare professionals are caring for their babies in a free crche on site.

The young parents can learn English, Maths and Information Technology, along with short programmes of Art and Design, Childcare, Hair and Beauty and DIY.

Students also have support in lifeskills, parenting skills, health care, careers, guidance and finance.

The scheme offers free child care while the young parents attend Barry College, and encourages them to gain individual accreditation, support each other and develop their interpersonal skills.

Having been piloted since September last year, the scheme is running successfully with 13 students taking part.

The project has established itself as an innovative, groundbreaking way of supporting this group of young people.

Barry College Principal Paul Halstead said: "This unique partnership between the Vale of Glamorgan Council, SureStart and Barry College is filling a very important gap in provision."

He added: "All students here have greatly benefited from the project, both academically and socially.

"With the continued support of all partner organisations, the scheme hopes to provide more opportunities and support for these young mothers."