About Us
One of the main aims of the Government’s Teenage Pregnancy Strategy is to halve the rate of teenage pregnancies in the UK by 2010. Progress is being made towards the targets set but is slower than anticipated and the number of teenage pregnancies in certain areas remains high. A second aim is to enable teenage parents to move forward into education and employment and reach their potential. Straight Talking, with its peer education in schools and training programme for teenage parents, responds to both Government aims.
Straight Talking Peer Education was set up as a registered charity in 1998 by Hilary Pannack. Hilary has several years experience of working with teenage parents in residential settings and support groups.
Over the last six years, the charity has expanded and we now employ approximately 50 people, most of whom are teenage parents working part time.
Straight Talking is based in New Malden, Surrey. Courses are currently delivered in the London Boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, Hounslow and Barking & Dagenham as well as Birmingham, Somerset.
and Portsmouth.
The Nationwide Foundation enabled us to set up a local scheme in the borough of Barking & Dagenham which has a high numbers of teenage parents.
Straight Talking's work is held in high regard by the Teenage Pregnancy Unit. The former Minister for Children & Young People, Beverley Hughes said that she has seen our 'excellent work' during her visit to Barking & Dagenham. She welcomes our support in working closely with all the Government's key partners.