Latest provisional figures from the Office of National Statistics show that the number of 15-17 year old conceptions in South Gloucestershire has fallen from 141 conceptions in 2008 to 130 conceptions in 2009. This figure is against the background of a long-term fall in the rate of teenage pregnancies in the district, down 18.9% over the past eleven years, better than the national rate of 18.1%.
The good progress reducing teenage pregnancies in South Gloucestershire reflects the strong partnership effort across a wide range of local agencies to provide better education and information to young people about relationships and sexual health, and to provide better access to local sexual health services. Reduction of teenage pregnancy remains a priority for the council and there is a determination across local agencies to further reduce this figure.
Cllr Sheila Cook, executive member for children and young people, said: “I am delighted that the work done by the council and its partners is having a positive effect in reducing teenage pregnancies.”
The multi-agency South Gloucestershire Teenage Pregnancy Partnership implements actions and initiatives to reduce conceptions and support young parents. The partnership will ensure that successful interventions to reduce teenage pregnancy are included within the development of more integrated services for young people over the coming year.
The council’s partnership officer for teenage pregnancy, Lottie Lawson, said: “Our local partners are committed to earlier identification of vulnerable young people, a more holistic approach to assessment, and coordinated multi-agency support for young people and their families. More integrated ways of working will help sustain lower teenage pregnancy rates and support young parents in the future.”
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
