Press Release Date: 22/08/2006
ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL:
IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
The Isle of Wight Council is among the top 19 authorities nationally to be congratulated by the government for its achievements in working with young people to bring down the rates of teenage pregnancy. Figures published today indicate the joint work of the council and the health authority have achieved a reduction of 21.2% over the period 1998-2004 and latest figures continue to mirror the downward trend.
Achievements on the Island have been attributed to the Isle of Wight Teenage Pregnancy Action Plan, which is based on a thoroughly researched understanding of local needs and issues. Initiatives include sex education sessions in the high schools involving both health professionals and other young people in the role of ‘peer educators’, which has proven to be particularly effective. ‘Mystery shopper’ research has also shown that health professionals providing contraception and sexual health advice engage well with young people. Other professionals who work with young people are offered training in sexual health advice and education to enable them to signpost people quickly to relevant services.
Specific project work has also been developed offering specific help for young people considered to be ‘at risk’. This includes sessions around self-esteem, strategies for dealing with risk-taking situations, sex and relationships education, drug and alcohol awareness. The government is hoping that other authorities can learn from the initiatives and success achieved on the Island as part of its national drive to reduce teenage pregnancy.
Children, Young People and Families Minister Beverley Hughes said, “I welcome this new look at figures which show that the national rate of teenage pregnancy has continued to fall and I especially want to congratulate the work going on in Bracknell Forest, Wokingham, Slough and the Isle of Wight where there has been particular progress thanks to the high quality of support and services being offered to young people. Other authorities in the South East region that are not yet achieving this degree of success need to look at those that are, both in the South East region and beyond, and raise their game.”
Councillor Dawn Cousins, Lead Member for Children’s Services said, “I am delighted that our joint work with our health partners to reduce teenage pregnancy has been recognised in this way. Only a few years ago we had one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the country, now we are being hailed as an example to others. This is a testimony to the success of working in partnership and to the hard work of all those involved in working with young people in this area, who are determined to give them information and support to ensure the best possible start in life.”
Compiled by Sarah Moss on behalf of www.iwight.com - The Isle of Wight Portal for information on all aspects of living, working, and visiting the IOW, developed by the Isle of Wight Council.