If you read the Manchester Evening News, you will have seen the 2-page spread about cuts to Marillac, Caritas’s Young Parents’ Unit in Manchester. Marillac is located in Longsight and is home to 11 young women (16-25) who are either pregnant or have had children but do not have anywhere or anyone to go to for help with their care. A number are at a high risk of domestic violence and homelessness. In some cases, staff help reunite mothers with their babies who have been looked after, allowing the parenting process to truly begin. At Marillac, women are supported with parenting and life skills in a warm, welcoming home and moved on into their own accommodation when they’re ready. 

Marillac has recently been cut by over £145K in council funding, putting the service at risk of closure. Recognising it as a vital service, Manchester Evening News wished to profile Marillac in a 2-page article that put a “human face” to the cuts. One of the young mothers we work with, Chantelle, bravely told the paper how she came to Marillac and how we had helped her and Mia, her daughter. 

 “I’ve got a real life now. Before, I never thought I had a future. If Marillac House hadn’t given me a chance, I’d still be on the streets, and I don’t think Mia would be with me. All I’d be is drunk, trying to find somewhere to sleep. I don’t know what I’d do without this place. All the girls don’t want it to shut – it’s their lives. If I look back on the past, I know what to do, but the young ones here, if they get kicked out, they won’t know what to do. It’s only going to cause chaos.”

Caritas is currently looking into various options for the entire Young Parents’ Service as we have just learned that funding has also been cut in our Bolton Service. Rosaleen Griffin, Head of Children and Family Services, said, “Without these Homes, which will lose council funding in April 2012, we know that young mums such as Chantelle will not benefit from the security, advice and assistance which provides a firm foundation for their own and their children’s future. We are considering how best we can continue to provide services to young parents and babies across the diocese and appreciate all the support which we have received following these decisions.”

If you feel that these services are worthwhile to help mothers and babies in Greater Manchester and East Lancashire, text MUMS12 £3 to 70070. We thank the people in the Diocese of Salford for their continued generosity!

*Images taken by Paul Heyes, used with permission of Manchester Evening News