News Item

Leeds has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the country but Leeds Ahead has come up with a scheme which aims to prevent teen pregnancies through a groundbreaking project under way in several of the city's schools.

According to national statistics, 22 per cent of teen mothers are more likely to live in poverty than those giving birth aged 24 and over, and only 30 per cent of mothers aged 16 to 19 are in employment, education and training compared to around 90 per cent of all 16 to 19-year-olds.

The project focuses on raising youngsters' aspirations, providing them with good role models and opening their eyes to the lifestyle and career choices available to them. Because the problems relating to school-age girls becoming mums are not just about them being too young to cope but also about the impact it can have on their future.

By giving the year eight and nine students a chance to take part in group discussions with mentors, getting one-to-one support, finding out more about the world of work and giving them the opportunity to talk about their hopes, fears and plans for the future, they are already seeing a difference.