A teenage mother of a child with special needs has described how an innovative new Finglas-based project helped to save her from a life on the streets.

Amanda Bollard had her son Josh when she was 16. She is now 20 and became homeless last May and found herself having major difficulties trying to keep her life together.

Having already enrolled on a course to train as a beauty therapist, she recalls having to move into a homeless shelter while at the same time looking after her son.

She says that without the support of the Finglas Teen Parents Support Programme, she could have found it difficult to continue her education and to ensure her son gets the support he needs.

The programme, which was officially launched by the Minister for Children Barry Andrews earlier this month, works with young people who become parents when they are 19 years or younger.

It does this by providing a range of supports, including assistance in accessing local childcare facilities, information on welfare entitlements and advice on accommodation and how to remain or return to education and training.

To date, it has worked with more than 50 young parents and children in the Finglas area. "If it wasn't for Rebecca Moore (project leader), I would probably be on the streets," said Bollard. "I was 16 when I had my son, so I was young. I just got into a difficult time in my life."

The TPSP is managed by Parents Alone Support Service (PASS) and is funded by the HSE. It is among a number of such programmes around the country which focus on supporting teenage mothers and fathers.

According to Ms Bollard, the availability of these types of support services is crucial for other young parents who find themselves in similar situations. "I would just tell anyone else who finds themselves in this position that you are not alone. There are support groups out there," she said.