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0:00:04 > 0:00:08- Over the past 12 months, Y Byd - ar Bedwar has followed the lives...
0:00:08 > 0:00:11- ..of Chloe Banks and Bradley Davies.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15- I'm Bradley Davies. - I'm going to be a father in a week.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- We've been with them - every step of the way...
0:00:19 > 0:00:24- ..as they grow from being teenagers - to first-time parents.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- It's better to have kids - when you're young.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32- You can bond with them better - when they're older.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36- Tonight, a look at their lives...
0:00:36 > 0:00:40- ..as we record - the moments of happiness.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- It's easier - than I thought it would be...
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- ..but I'm not with him - 24/7 like Chloe.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- And the frustration - when things don't go their way.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- Having a child at 16 is big, - it's not something that...
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- .."Oh, yeah, it's gonna be so easy."
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- It's not. It's really hard.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- The number of Welsh children - becoming parents is decreasing...
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- ..but the level is still one - of the highest in Western Europe.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13- I see it as a big problem.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- Yes.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- Children having children. - They don't know what to expect.
0:01:20 > 0:01:21- It's hard work.
0:01:21 > 0:01:27- Tonight, how much support is there - for children having children?
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- 14 March - 2016
0:01:43 > 0:01:48- In Llangefni, Bradley and Chloe - are settling into a new flat.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- They've just turned 16.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55- This is the first time - they've lived alone.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- It's been stressful - but it's been OK too.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- It's been nice having our own place. - It's nice doing whatever we want.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10- There are no rules, really.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18- Today, Bradley's mother and partner - have called to see the young couple.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- Bradley and Chloe were 15 - when she became pregnant.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27- Initially, Bradley didn't want - to tell his mother...
0:02:27 > 0:02:29- ..he was going to be a father.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- I found out - on Bradley's Facebook page.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- It was a shock - - he didn't tell me himself.
0:02:37 > 0:02:38- I'm excited now.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- I'm excited now.- - I was scared of telling you myself.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- He was scared of telling me himself!
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- Great way to find out.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- Both had been expelled from school - at the time.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- Bradley lived with his mother, - her partner...
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- ..two brothers and two sisters.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02- Chloe spent her time between - her mother and father's houses.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- It's nice to come here - and see that they're coping.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- I didn't think they would - but they've proved me wrong.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- Are you worried at all?
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- Are you worried at all?- - Yes, I worry every night.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- In case they haven't switched off - the cooker.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- They've done well, fair play.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- 14 April - 2016
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- A month later, Bradley's out - on his scooter in Bangor.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- The couple now know - they're expecting a boy.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- I've been scooting - since I was 12 years old.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- I've been coming here - since they opened.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- Bradley's looking forward - to bringing his son here.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- I hope so. - I'll try and get him into it.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- They've just been to the hospital - to check the baby's progress.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- Chloe is expected - to give birth next week.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- They've been preparing - for the big day.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- We've had a good week. - It's been sunny.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- We've been out a lot, for walks.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28- Chloe's been on her ball. - It should come quite quickly now.
0:04:29 > 0:04:30- What's the ball?
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- What's the ball?- - An exercise ball.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- She's been sitting in positions - which helps her labour.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- For the girl - who'll soon be a young mother...
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- ..the past few days - haven't been easy.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- I've been in a lot of pain - and not being able to sleep.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- Getting heavier.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- I just want him out now, - like I've said loads.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- 1 May - 2016
0:05:07 > 0:05:09- In Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor...
0:05:09 > 0:05:14- ..Bradley and Chloe's baby made his - first appearance a fortnight late.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- It felt as if - we were there for days.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- We were there for about 17 hours.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- We got in about half-two.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31- She came out from the labour room...
0:05:31 > 0:05:33- ..about five, six days later.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- It took a long time.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43- 2 June - 2016
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- A week later, our journalist - visits the flat in Llangefni...
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- ..to see the young parents.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- Today, Bradley's family are - also here to visit the little baby.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08- I try not to visit every day in case - they think I'm hounding them.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- If I'm passing, I'll call in.
0:06:10 > 0:06:15- He's staying with me tomorrow night, - he's staying at Nain's house!
0:06:16 > 0:06:21- In England and Wales, over half - the mothers and even more fathers...
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- ..are over 30 years old - when they become parents.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30- These parents are glad they had - their first baby at 16 years old.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- It's better to have kids - when you're young.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- You can bond with them better - when they're older.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- You're always around and you're - close to them in terms of age.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47- You can still do things with your - children when they're growing up.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- You get to do more stuff with them, - like go out...
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- ..instead of staying in - when you're old, older.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- You don't do much stuff.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- What about yourself and Bradley?
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- We're really well, yeah. - Getting much closer than we were.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11- 22 June - 2016
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- The couple receive 175 every - fortnight in personal benefits.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- They receive just over 20 a week - in child benefit...
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- ..on top of children's tax credits.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- The money's OK - to cover all our shopping.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- With any money we have left over, - we buy things for ourselves...
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- ..or shop for the cupboards.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- It's easier - than I thought it would be...
0:07:40 > 0:07:45- ..but I'm not with him - 24/7 like Chloe.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- I like going out for walks.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- I don't like - being in the house constantly.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- They also receive 181 a week - in housing benefit.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- Despite the changes in their lives - over the past year...
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- ..Chloe doesn't regret - having a child.
0:08:09 > 0:08:14- This time last year I was probably - like partying, drinking and stuff.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- But now I'm just, yeah, a mum.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- But... I don't know.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- I wouldn't change it now.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35- 13 July - 2016
0:08:37 > 0:08:42- A few weeks later, - Chloe's had enough of the flat.
0:08:42 > 0:08:49- She says there's a broken window - and dampness in some rooms.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52- I've said I want to move out...
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- ..because I've had enough - of the damages here.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01- I've been here since March - and nothing's been sorted out.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- A few things but nothing - compared to the bad things...
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- ..the mould and the damp and stuff.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- Bradley's been told they could lose - some of their benefits...
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- ..if he doesn't find work - or return to education.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- He says he's registering - with a college to become a plumber.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- I'm hoping to start work soon, - to earn money for myself.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- I don't want to be on the dole - for the rest of my life.
0:09:32 > 0:09:33- I want to earn money.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- Bradley and Chloe were 15 years old - when they met for the first time.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- They attended different schools.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- They'd both been expelled - when they met.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- Bradley doesn't accept - that they're to blame...
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- ..for their current predicament.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- I believe education has let us down.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- Not just me, - it's let Chloe down too.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- They weren't good enough in school.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- They didn't know how to support - people. It wasn't good enough.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- They supported everyone else. - Not everyone gets expelled.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- The people who need most support, - they're not there for them.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- In Part 2, we follow the lives - of the young couple...
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- ..as their relationship falls apart.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- I'm not talking to her.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- I don't want to talk to her - after what she put me through.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- We hear criticism - that not enough is being done...
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- ..to support young parents in Wales.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- We need a national strategy...
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- ..and there's definitely - no national strategy in this field.
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0:10:50 > 0:10:50- Subtitles
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0:10:56 > 0:11:01- 3 October - 2016
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- Gaerwen, Anglesey.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- Last month a local charity - found a larger house...
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- ..for Bradley, Chloe and the baby...
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- ..but the strain of being - a young parent is starting to tell.
0:11:18 > 0:11:24- It's just so overwhelming. - Having a child at 16 is big.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- It's not something that, - "Oh, yeah, it's gonna be so easy".
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- It's not. It's really hard.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- Our journalist has filmed - the lives of the couple...
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- ..for seven months.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- Today, there's no sign of Bradley.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- Chloe, Bradley's not here today.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- No, we've split up...
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- ..for good reasons really.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- Well, kind of good reasons.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- It was for the best, - for both of us, both our families.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- For both our lives really.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- We just couldn't carry on - the way we were.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Bradley's at his mother's house - in Llangefni...
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- ..after an argument - between himself and Chloe.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- He says the pressure of living with - his partner and son caused tensions.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- It would have been better - had I gone to college...
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- ..and not been constantly - in the house.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- I'm in college now, - I'm there four days a week.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- I haven't been angry at all - in that time.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- I've been happy in college, - heading off at 6.30am.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- 8.00am at the bus stop, waking up - at 6.30am, it hasn't bothered me.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- I've liked it really.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- His son is now five months old.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56- Chloe hasn't allowed him - to see his son since the argument.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- That's been difficult for him.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- I was crying every night - and I'm not one for crying.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- I was sitting here crying every - night, not being able to see him.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- The percentage of pregnant girls - under 18 in England and Wales...
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- ..has halved - over the past 20 years...
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- ..but it's still the highest - in Western Europe.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- In Caernarfon, the Gisda charity - runs the Young Parents Project...
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- ..to give parents under 25 - practical advice.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- One of those is Maddy Edwards.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- Daughter Millie was born - when she was 17 years old.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- People judge you a lot.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- They think that you - don't want to find a job...
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- ..and you want to live - in a council house...
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- ..and don't want to do anything - with your life.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- That's not true.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- She says that the Gisda sessions - have boosted her confidence...
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- ..and helped her meet - supportive and friendly people.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- Before joining the project, - she felt lonely and isolated.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- One, two, three.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- I used to sit in the house all day.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28- I never went out, - I didn't speak to anyone for days
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- Coming here has helped get me out of - the house for one day of the week.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- I've made friends - and I've left the house more often.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- It gave me a lot of confidence, - making friends with everyone.
0:14:46 > 0:14:52- The National Lottery has funded the - project for the past three years.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- According to Lottery rules, the - same project can't be funded twice.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- On Friday, support for parents - like Maddie will end.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- We're losing somewhere - we visit regularly.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- We make friends and talk to people.
0:15:09 > 0:15:15- We meet people who understand - what you're going through in life.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22- Eleri Owen has been working - on the project for Gisda.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28- The Young Parents Project has - supported 118 mothers and fathers...
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- ..over the past three years.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- They've provided - practical support...
0:15:35 > 0:15:40- ..such as dealing with bills, - benefits and training for jobs.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- Parents need long-term support.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- We need something - more stable in place.
0:15:48 > 0:15:53- We need Assembly funding, - funding we can rely on...
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- ..to provide continuous support - for young parents...
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- ..and not just for a period - of a year, two years, three years.
0:16:04 > 0:16:09- In Bangor University, - Dr Myfanwy Davies agrees.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- She specialises in social policy.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- She's about to publish a study...
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- ..on the way the Young Parents - Project helped in Gwynedd.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- She wants to see similar projects - across the country.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- These are low-cost schemes when - you consider the benefits created.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- Young parents - who were part of the project...
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- ..have returned to education, - gained qualifications...
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- ..learnt to drive and secured jobs.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- There are clear benefits - in that respect.
0:16:42 > 0:16:47- It's a valuable investment - in every community in Wales...
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- ..but especially so in communities - where young parents feel isolated.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59- She says schemes like this - can keep fragile people...
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- ..from being a burden - on social services...
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- ..or the justice system - in the future.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- She wants the government - to do more to fund it.
0:17:09 > 0:17:15- In terms of public policy, there's - no national strategy or direction.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- That's a significant problem.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23- It's a disjointed system - - that's a kind way of describing it.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- There are very few schemes - such as Young Parents Project...
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- ..in terms of bilingual provision - and provision in rural Wales.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- The Young Parents Project - is coming to an end.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- We need a national strategy...
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- ..and there's definitely - no national strategy in this field.
0:17:42 > 0:17:48- The Welsh Government told us that - they support positive parenting.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- They've invested 120m this year...
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- ..in the Flying Start - and Families First schemes.
0:17:55 > 0:18:01- They also said that local - authorities provide the services.
0:18:01 > 0:18:07- They decide on priorities in line - with the demand in their areas.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- 12 January - 2017
0:18:15 > 0:18:20- Back in Llangefni, it's not a happy - new year for Bradley and Chloe.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- I'm still not talking to her.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- I don't want to talk to her - after what she put me through.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33- Anglesey County Council say - they offer support and advice...
0:18:33 > 0:18:38- ..to parents like Bradley and Chloe - through many schemes...
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- ..funded by the Welsh Government.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- That funding hasn't saved - the young couple's relationship.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- We had our own house, - we were together all the time.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- The arguments didn't help. - It wasn't worth it in the end.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58- Bradley's mother, Kelly...
0:18:59 > 0:19:05- ..thinks putting two 16-year-olds - together in a house was a mistake.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- At the time, that's what - Bradley and Chloe wanted to do.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- She says she tried - to support the couple...
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- ..but it was difficult since - she had four children of her own.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- What do you think should happen - to young couples...
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- ..who find themselves - in the same position...
0:19:23 > 0:19:25- ..as Chloe and Bradley.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- They need a lot of support. - They're only young.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- They're children having children.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- I wouldn't put them - straight into a flat.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- I'd put them in a hostel first - to give them that support.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- It's better than throwing them - into their own flat.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- 20 March - 2017
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- Chloe is now back in Llangefni.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- She's had support - to move house again.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- She's in a flat underneath the one - she shared with Bradley.
0:20:03 > 0:20:09- She says the strain of being a young - parent was more than she expected.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15- If I go back, - I wouldn't have got pregnant.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- I didn't try and get pregnant...
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- ..but I would have used - contraception and stuff.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- Yeah, it's happened now, - a year's almost been.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- I can't really change much now.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- A health visitor calls every week.
0:20:36 > 0:20:42- Social Services are also in touch - to make sure everything is OK.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- It's been... Oh.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- So many different emotions - to explain this year.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- At the end of it, I've got my son - and that's all that matters.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- Across town, - the baby's father and grandmother...
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- ..enjoy contacting him online.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- Bradley cares for his son sometimes - but he's mostly with Chloe.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- The number of teenage parents - is falling...
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- ..but Bradley's mother says - that her son's situation...
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- ..shows how difficult it is - to have a baby at 16.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- Ta-ra, baby.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- It was too much stress for them.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- They had to deal with money, - a house, a baby.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- They didn't know what - they were getting themselves in to.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47- They're young.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- A baby is a lot of work - for people our age, let alone 17.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- They like going out, - they like doing their own things.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- Having a baby, it's not as easy.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- By now, Bradley's studying - a college course...
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- ..and works in a shop in Bangor.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- The past year - has taught him some harsh lessons.
0:22:10 > 0:22:16- After seeing what happened, I don't - want to look at another woman again!
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- I've just got to move on.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- It's put me off - moving out of Mam's house.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- I'll stay here - for the rest of my life.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- At the age of 17, - he's become a father...
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- ..and separated - from the baby's mother.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37- He says he's determined - to stay part of his son's life.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40- I've finished with her.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45- I haven't finished - the relationship with my little boy.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:02 > 0:23:02- .