Funding for Young Parents Group sought

The Hunter's Young Parents Group was established in 2012 and is run by Charlestown community centre The Place.

The group is the only one of its kind in the Hunter and is in danger of closing due to a lack of funds.

It meets weekly and provides parenting skills and social support to teens and young adults.

Up until now, Young Parents Group was funded by the community centre and a large state government grant.

Charlestown state MP Jodie Harrison has thrown her weight behind a campaign to save the group, as it only has three months of funding left.

Ms Harrison wrote to Family and Community Services Brad Hazzard and brought the issue up twice in parliament.

A Department of Family and Community Services spokesperson said the Young Parents Group was successful in a $81,011 grant under the NSW Government's Youth Opportunities Program for their program from June 2013 to June 2015.

However, the department had not been approached recently by the group for more funding.

"Should the Hunter Young Parents Group wish to apply for additional funding, they may be eligible to apply for a one-off, time-limited grant of up to $50,000 under the next round of the Youth Opportunities program," a spokesperson said.

Applications for these grants will close on August 31.

The Place manager Lynda Little said media coverage about the group's possible closure was a fantastic springboard for the group out in the public.

"It is building awareness, which is so important," Mrs Little said.

She said 10 new families had turned up to the group, and there had been donations from the community.