Teenage Pregnancy Think Tank Success Members of Oldham Teenage Pregnancy partnership met on Wednesday 31st January to evaluate the current Teenage Pregnancy strategy following a local increase in under 18 teenage conception rates for 2004.
The day was attended by staff from Oldham Primary Care Trust, Oldham Council, local school representatives, the voluntary sector and Positive Steps Oldham, as well as a number of local teenage parents.
‘The purpose of the day was to bring together young parents, workers and managers from partner agencies involved in the Teenage Pregnancy strategy to find new solutions to further reduce the under 18 conception rate in Oldham.’ Explains Sharon West, Teenage Pregnancy Coordinator.
‘We are very pleased with the success of the day, and some strong themes have emerged which will now be incorporated into a revised Teenage Pregnancy strategy for 2007/08.
The day finished with a summary from Positive Steps Chief Executive, Tim Mitchell who commented that ‘It is nationally recognised that the government target of halving teenage pregnancies by 2010 is a very challenging one and we should therefore be very proud that Oldham achieved one of the largest reductions in conception rates within the Greater Manchester area from 1998 to 2002, and has also performed well at a national level. All partner agencies in Oldham have a responsibility to ensure all young people in Oldham have the skills, confidence, and motivation to look after their sexual health and delay parenthood until they are in a better position - emotionally, educationally and economically - to face its challenges.’
Oldham Teenage Pregnancy Partnership Board is a multi-agency board bringing together the Local Authority, Primary Care Trust, Pennine Acute Trust, the Voluntary Sector and Positive Steps Oldham (a local independent sector organisation that delivers a range of young people’s services, including Connexions and the Youth Offending Service).
Event participants worked in small groups with teenage parents to think of new ways to reduce teenage pregnancies in Oldham and improve young people’s access to contraceptive and sexual health advice.
For further information contact Nyree Hood, Marketing and Communications Officer, Positive Steps Oldham on 0161 621 9395 nyreehood@positivestepsoldham.org.uk
