Sponsored by
Plan to cut down on teen pregnancies
A SCHEME to reduce teenage pregnancies by raising the aspirations of girls considered to be at risk of early motherhood is set to be rolled out across Sheffield.
Last figures show that as many as 471 girls in the city aged between 15 and 17 became pregnant in 2007.
Since 1998, the city's teenage pregnancy rate has only fallen by 0.3 percent, despite campaigns to encourage youngsters to delay sex and parenthood until they are older.
For the past year, Sheffield Council and NHS Sheffield have been piloting a scheme in the north and south of the city aimed at making sure teenagers have the information and support to make more informed choices.
This scheme has included one-to-one mentoring with young women, health workshops, contraceptive and sexual health advice and working with parents and carers.
And, following its initial success, council leaders are poised to roll it out to other suitable teenagers across Sheffield.
It also follows a similar scheme in Maltby, Rotherham, which targeted 60 young girls in the area. After a two year period, only one of these youngsters became pregnant while still a teenager.
Coun Andrew Sangar, cabinet member for children's services, said: "It is important that we give our young people every chance we can in life to make sure they can achieve their aspirations and this is a key tool in helping us achieve that aim and one I welcome."
Got a view? Add your comment below.
Buy The Star - Monday to Saturday - for local news, sport, features and ads. To subscribe CLICK HERE
READ MORE
Main news index
Your letters
Features
South Yorkshire's environmental news
Kids Zone
More business news
More Rotherham news
More Doncaster news
More Barnsley news
Latest Sport
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
