Steph's story
This short film clip is about real-life experiences of a teenage parent in Hertfordshire. The animation was made at the young mum’s project in Waltham Cross. The group wanted to make a short piece of film each to show people that being a young mother was in-fact, extremely difficult. This is Steph’s story:
Steph fell pregnant at 16 with her long term boyfriend. She talks about how having a baby is daunting because it’s a long term commitment and you can’t turn back time. Sleepless nights and early mornings bring knock-on effects with her relationship with her partner. She finds it difficult to keep her child entertained all the time with very little money to live off. Money available is spent on the necessities and there is no money or babysitters to go out socialising.
The young mums group wanted to educate young people who may be at risk of having unprotected sex. They wanted to show other young people the true realities of being a teenage parent and the necessary life changes that result from it. The group also wanted other young people to realise that it is important to have a sound understanding of relationships and contraception, and being confident to say no to sexual activities if they are not ready. The message they wanted to get across was for others to have the full facts of becoming a parent and the difficulties and support required before they make that decision.
For more information about the young mum’s project, click here.