The Office for National Statistics has released data today showing that Oldham has received a 38.3% reduction in under 18 conceptions between 1998 and 2008. This is the seventh highest reduction in England
Oldham's Teenage Pregnancy Strategy has been working to reduce conception rates over the last ten years, and aims to reduce under 18 conceptions by 50% and support teenage parents back into education and employment.
Oldham Teenage Pregnancy Coordinator, Sharon West comments, 'One of our key successes with teenage pregnancy is that all agencies working with young people see it as their responsibility to reduce conceptions by providing access to sexual health information and contraception.
'The Teenage Pregnancy Partnership Board have worked together to ensure all young people have access to a young people friendly contraceptive services including school based, and venues with extended opening hours.
'We have continued to train professionals working with young people in basic sexual health information, and also delivered work to parents around how to speak to your child about sex and contraception.'
This year agencies have delivered several innovation campaigns which involved commissioning some Oldham-branded condoms which were distributed across the town centre throughout the Christmas period, and a "love hearts" campaign which is ongoing encouraging young people to love their hearts and play safe in Oldham.
Oldham's Teenage Pregnancy Partnership is a multi-agency board made up of representatives from Oldham Council, NHS Oldham, Pennine Acute Trust, Positive Steps Oldham and the voluntary sector.
Ends
For more information contact Nyree Hood, 0161 621 9395
