Courses

Working to reduce teenage pregnancy

We work to give young people an understanding of what it is really like to be a teenage parent, as told by teenage parents. Our teenage mothers and young fathers tell us that they do not regret having their children but that they wish they had waited until they were better off financially and they were in a secure relationship.

Teenage parents tell it like it is

Teenage mothers and fathers are the experts on young parenthood and give young people an educated choice about the time to become a parent. They highlight the responsibilities of parenting and the issues of:

• losing their childhood
• living in poor accommodation
• losing their social life
• limiting their future through the loss of education and training opportunities

Young people should know how not to get pregnant but they also need to know why. We give young people a reason to either delay sexual activity or use contraception.

Sex education in schools includes learning about contraception, sexually transmitted infections and relationships. It does not give young people reasons why they should avoid pregnancy at a young age. Straight Talking gives young people an understanding of the consequences of becoming a parent. They are then able to make responsible choices about their future.

Last year, we reached 6,500 young people in schools in five boroughs.

We work closely with school staff to ensure that we add a vital component to Sex & Relationships Education (SRE). The programme fits into Key Stages 3 & 4. Schools recognise the value of our work and welcome us back year after year.