People Features

Cornwall's WILD Young Parents Project started life in Truro in 1992. Seventeen years on there are now 11 groups located across the length of the county from Penzance to Torpoint.

All the hard work has been given an official nod from the royal family. WILD has been honoured with a prestigious Queen's Award. It's recognised as the equivalent of an MBE - for its outstanding contribution to the community and its benefit to others.

As a result of its achievements WILD will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal. It will be presented by Her Majesty's representative in Cornwall, the Lord Lieutenant, Lady Mary Holborow, during a special ceremony at the Redruth Children's Centre in July.

"We're all so excited," said WILD spokesperson, Eleanor Beard. "It's a great honour to be recognised in this way for the work we do."

The groups meet once a week, usually at children's centres, and caters for the needs of mums under the age of 23. More than 90% of the project's clients gain some form of qualification during their time with the group.

WILD works in partnership with Cornwall College, Cornwall Learning Partnership, Cornwall Council and Cornwall Youth Work Partnership to deliver those qualifications to clients.

Sisters Sophie and Katie Kaute have been attending WILD, Penzance for over a year after it was recommended to them.

Katie says: "This project has been so good for my confidence. My project worker Cheryl Macfarlane has really helped me sort out some personal problems, but, more importantly, because of the childcare they offer, WILD has given me a chance to develop as a normal person not just as a mum."

Jade Cooper praises the project

At 23, Jade Cooper has reached the age limit for inclusion in the WILD project, but she has been so impressed with the help, encouragement and support provided she now works as a volunteer for Family Services herself, running her own group for parents and children called Bounce and Move On.

Jade explained: "WILD has been really important to me and I don't want to leave. The project has been invaluable in helping me to develop as both a person and a mum. 

"It has given me direction and encouragement as well as supporting me with personal family problems too. I've completed so many qualifications I can't remember them all off the top of my head! The project totally deserves the recognition of this Queen's Award."

Project workers also train the mums to go into schools to talk to pupils about the realities of motherhood and encourage them to peer mentor vulnerable women on a voluntary basis.

WILD was selected from 406 groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work in their community.

Find out more about their work by calling 01209 210 077.