Brave Foundation Secures $6 Million Grant to Expand Supporting Expecting and Parenting Teens (SEPT) Program

National not-for-profit organisation Brave Foundation is set to receive $6 million to deliver their expanded SEPT program across Australia, under the federal Office for Women’s ‘Women’s Leadership and Development Program’. 

This funding will allow Brave to support over 1000 young parents over the grant period of 2020-21 to 2023-24, with a particular focus on supporting young mothers to engage with workforce and education opportunities.  

CEO and Founding Director of Brave Foundation Bernadette Black AM said the new grant signifies a major commitment from the Federal Government in ensuring the futures of young parents and their families.  

“We have countless young expecting and parenting women knocking on our door – this funding will allow us to open that door and empower these women so they can reach their boundless potential,” she said. “This is a watershed moment for some of the women most at risk of disadvantage in Australia and will have positive impact for generations to come. 

“We are so grateful to be able to continue the momentum of our successful SEPT trial, and to move into this next chapter of growth, expansion, and learning alongside our program participants.” 

The funding forms part of the Women@Work measure announced in the 2020 Women’s Economic Security Statement to support the re-opening, recovery, and reform of Australia’s economy.  

Board Chair Professor Maria Harries AM has observed the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the Foundation and its program participants and commended the Brave Board and Staff for their commitment and focus over the past 18 months. 

“It is clear to see that the impact of Brave Foundation’s work is changing the lives of many Australians – the Office for Women has demonstrated, via this funding commitment, that they too recognise the potential in these vital young people.  

“I am a champion for strategies that show excellence in early intervention policy design and can demonstrate impact. Brave has proven success in these areas, in addition to showing tenacity and adaptability in the ever-changing social services landscape.” 

The SEPT program was previously delivered as a trial funded by the Department of Social Service’s ‘Try, Test, Learn’ initiative.  Since 2018, Brave Foundation’s SEPT program has engaged with over 400 expecting and parenting teens. Under the program, mentors based at community hubs work with expecting and parenting teens to create individualised plans focusing on education and workforce participation; goalsetting and career advice; health and wellbeing; navigating financial and housing assistance; and help with everyday parenting skills.   The program helps participants connect with existing support services and provides these young people with the tools and confidence to participate in the workforce, build their economic security and create happy, healthy, and skilled families.