STARTING Point, the specialist career advice and guidance centre in St Helens, have launched a pioneering support programme to help teenage fathers cope with the pressures of parenthood.

The scheme is one of the first support programmes in the UK to be specifically aimed at young fathers. The topics included in the programme cover every aspect of parenting such as roles and responsibilities, what it means to be a parent, meeting children's emotional needs and dealing with conflict. Practical issues, including housing advice, contraception and sexual health are also covered.

Starting Point Centre Manager, Pauline Devine said: "Research has shown that many young fathers want to stay in touch with their children and play a proper part in their upbringing. By supporting young fathers in this way the benefits will be felt by the whole family. In addition, we can also help young fathers into training and career routes, which will hopefully improve the quality of life for them, their partners and their children.

Joe O'Rourke, Training Services Manager at St Helens Chamber said: "Traditionally, support for young parents has tended to concentrate on teenage mothers, now we can let young fathers know that we are here for them too, which is a very important step forward", he added.