Commission on teenage pregnancy

Published 2 November 2010

Southwark currently has one of the highest teenage conception rates in the country.

To tackle this, the council will be launching an independent commission on Tuesday 2 November in Peckham to look into why the borough's teenage pregnancy rate is so high and what can be done to greatly reduce it.

Although teenage parents are as loving and supportive of their children as any other parent, they and their children can experience greater disadvantages - such as poorer health, social, education and employment prospects - and Southwark is committed to addressing this and building a fairer borough.

The commission has been established to investigate and recommend the best ways to reduce the borough's high teenage conception rates. Its recommendations will help shape services in the future and make a lasting, positive difference to the life chances of our young people and their families.

In line with the new administration's pledge, commission members have been drawn from members of the borough's diverse communities, including young people, parents, local community, voluntary and faith groups, schools and health practitioners. The council has appointed an independent chair - Esy Oluwafemi of local charity Wisegem - to lead the commission, and bring together our diverse communities to develop effective, lasting solutions supported by and involving the community.

The commission will build on the council's own research, strategy and actions, to develop, tailor-made policy that addresses the specific needs of our communities. It will focus on young people's aspirations and life choices, alongside awareness and education.

Cabinet member for children's services Catherine McDonald said: "What excites me about setting up this commission is that it will be made up of members of our diverse communities - that means young people, parents, community and faith groups, practitioners and schools. It is an unparalleled opportunity for us all to work together to shape for the better the services and support our young people and their families receive."

The commission will report in spring next year. This short timetable is designed to meet the council's commissioning cycle for 2011/12 so that the commission's recommendations are translated quickly into action on the ground, and deliver a step-change in teenage pregnancy rates.