Over 800 Galway teen parents have been referred to a tailor made support programme run by the Galway University Hospital group.

The service was introduced in 2000 on a trial basis to provide support to young parents up to the age of 19 until their child reaches 2 years of age.

A report on the programme for the 11 year period since its launch shows one third of the young parents engaged with the service remained or returned to education.

The Galway TPSP initiative is one of only two nationwide which is based in a hospital environment with a particular focus on the ante-natal and post birth period.

Programme Leader Aileen Davies says the non-judgemental and non-stigmatising service provides supports to facilitiate education for young Galway mothers.