Supporting young mothers in Laverton

None of our health promotion work in the community occurs without supportive partnerships with a range of agencies. Since the mid-1990s the relationships between community agencies, government and health providers have been strengthened by Primary Care Partnerships (PCPs). We are active in three regional PCPs: Westbay Alliance, Melton/Brimbank and Moonee Valley/ Melbourne. Women's Health West participates in a range of ways, offering a "gendered lens" to planning and delivery of health promotion programs.

The Westbay Laverton Young Mums project, for example, began with health provider concerns about smoking during pregnancy. These were supported by Beyond Symptoms research evidence that young women, including young mothers, were a vulnerable group, and that substance use was a key health concern. Consultations with community agencies led to a broadening of the project to tackle issues including social isolation, stress and depression. There is increasing evidence that programs tackling broader issues can affect behaviours such as tobacco use.

A review of similar projects identified creative arts as a positive strategy. WestBay Primary Care Partnership’s partner organisations funded the project, which began working with a group of young mothers. The women requested that they try various art forms including dance, painting, photography and mosaics.

The young mothers reported improved mood and motivation through taking part in a group that was supportive and encouraged them to communicate their creativity to the community. They also reported an increased understanding of themselves, their needs and identity as mothers, and expressed interest in further activities, including those involving their children.