Charlestown community centre The Place's Young Parents Group is a free, weekly catch-up for parents in their teens and early-to-mid twenties (up to 26) to connect and learn parenting skills.

The program, previously funded by a state-government grant, is in jeopardy as it only has three months of money left.

The only one of its kind, the group draws young parents from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Singleton and Tamworth.

One of those parents, Maryland's Lauren Payne, 25, said the judgment-free environment for young parents to share their experiences was a lifesaver.

"We all understand how it feels to be a young parent," she said.

"We're at the same life stages so we have a lot to talk about."

Cooking classes, first aid courses, resume-writing and budgeting workshops as well as educational talks represent just a fraction of the activities on offer.

There is sensory play, craft activities and excursions to local parks, pools and museums for the parents and their children.

The centre piloted the program for six months in 2012 with its own funds.

The Young Parents Group costs $40,000 a year to run.

In July 2013, the centre received the state government's two-year Youth Opportunities Grant.

The funding finishes this month and the centre is ineligible to reapply as it was a one-off grant.

The Place manager Lynda Little said the centre had scraped together funding for the program to operate for the next three months.

She hoped the community could help to keep it running.

The group received one small boost earlier this month when Charlestown Square announced it was one of four not-for-profit organisations to receive $2500 under its latest promotion.

The group has also been put forward to receive another $5000. Mrs Little encouraged shoppers to the square to take the time out to nominate it.

"If other businesses, groups and individuals could get behind us we could continue this powerful program," Mrs Little said.

She said anyone could donate - no matter how big or small, every cent counted.

■ Young Parents Group, 12.30pm to 3pm Fridays at The Place, Charlestown. For more information or to donate phone 4032 5500.