Independent commission report to council on how to reduce teenage pregnancy

The commission was set up by Catherine McDonald, cabinet member for children's services, as one of the council's main commitments for young people.

Esy Oluwafemi, of local teenage parent charity Wisegem, was appointed as the independent chair of the commission which brought together members of Southwark's diverse communities, including young people, parents, representatives from community, voluntary and faith groups, health and education practitioners and professionals working with young people.

Catherine McDonald, cabinet member for children's services, said:

"Southwark has some of the highest levels of teenage pregnancy in the country. The council made it a key pledge to set up a teenage pregnancy commission to reduce teenage pregnancy rates by 2014 and we are delivering on that promise. There is no quick fix but the work of the commission will go a long way to improving the life chances of our young people.

"I would like to thank the commission for its hard work in putting together this report. It captures the energy, passion and expertise of those living and working in the borough, and brings our communities together to tackle this vital barrier to young people's wellbeing."

Esy Oluwafemi, chair of the commission, added:

"It has been a privilege to chair this commission and work with members from every section of our community. I have been struck by everyone's knowledge, enthusiasm and skill, and thank everyone for their contribution. Our report reflects the consensus voice of our communities, and clearly demonstrates the power of the council working with us in the community to make a difference to young people's lives."

The report and recommendations will be taken to the council's cabinet for consideration, after which implementation plans will be drawn up with the involvement of the community.

The commission was formally convened in November 2010, and chose to investigate four themes as follows:

1. What are the reasons behind our high teenage conception rates?

2. What role can parents and carers play in addressing sexual health and teenage conceptions?

3. What influence do values, faith and culture have on teenage conception rates?

4. How to challenge the myths surrounding sex, relationships and teenage parents?

Read the teenage pregnancy commission's report and recommendations for more details.

Provisional 2009 data shows a decrease in rate to 63.2 per 1,000 making it the highest in London and fourth highest in England.