Chief Minister announces funding for Pandanus Program

The Hon Adam Giles, Chief Minister announced new funding for the Pandanus Program for the next twelve months this morning at an event hosted at the Barbara James House.

At the event Ann Buxton, Acting CEO said “We are extremely appreciative of this funding. We have provided pregnancy awareness, child birth education and support to pregnant young women and young couples for over 15 years until funding from the Australian Government was recently cut.

Teenage pregnancy rates are high and becoming a parent at an early age is daunting. Young parents can be very good parents but we need to ensure non-judgemental timely and flexible assistance is available at this critical time. The announcement by Chief Minister Adam Giles allows Anglicare NT to continue the Pandanus Program for the next 12 months. We look forward to working with stakeholders and funders to identify ongoing funding sources.”

After addressing the media, the Chief Minister, who is about to become a father himself, then took the opportunity to meet with young parents and staff to talk about the program and being a parent.

The Pandanus Program offers pregnancy awareness, child birth education courses, practical ante and post natal support and young dads sessions. The Program brings together experienced Midwives and Youth Health staff and has been designed for and is guided by feedback from young people. We work closely with GPs, Clinics, the Hospital and Midwives to ensure pregnant young women antenatal care early, and build the confidence of young parents to access available health and community services.

For more information about the Pandanus Program call 8985 0000

IMG_1221 IMG_1239a

IMG_1251 IMG_1308 IMG_1286IMG_1320

IMG_1428IMG_1378