Croydon teen pregnancy rates drop below the London average
Ross Lidbetter
ross.lidbetter@essnmedia.co.uk
THE number of teenage pregnancies in Croydon has dropped significantly, bringing the borough below the London average.
New figures reveal that out of every 1,000 girls aged 15 to 17, an average of 41.5 fell pregnant between April and June 2009.
This was a drop of around 33 per cent from the same period in 2008, when the total was 62 per 1,000.
These figures – released by the Office of National Statistics – put the borough below the London average of 42.5 and just above the overall average for England of 39.5.
Dr Peter Brambleby, director of public health for Croydon, said: "We're encouraged to see the statistics moving in the right direction. It looks as though it's a sustained shift.
"Croydon had the unenviable reputation of having a higher teen pregnancy rate than the London average, which was higher than the average for England and above European figures."
Dr Brambleby highlighted the importance of getting the message across that teenagers should not feel pressurised into starting a sex life and to use contraception if they do.
He said: "It does affect your life chances. Just having the financial resources to bring up a baby is quite challenging. We want every baby to be planned."
Dr Brambleby believes better sex-and-relationship education in Croydon's schools has made a difference.
Other positive changes have included a new sexual health drop-in service at colleges and specialised sexual health advice being offered at pharmacies.
A young people's sexual health outreach team has been created to support youngsters who are considered most at risk.
Officers at NHS Croydon and Croydon Council say they have made reducing teenage pregnancy rates one of their highest priorities since 2008.
Katie Greenaway, a young people's sexual health outreach nurse from NHS Croydon, runs regular clinics in colleges.
She said: "We make sure our confidential drop-in clinics are run at times convenient for young people and we publicise them widely.
"As a result we have seen an increase in the numbers of people attending the sessions."
Ginny Turner Flynn, pharmacist manager at Fishers Pharmacy, in Enmore Road, South Norwood, has noticed a change in attitude to the problem.
She said: "Young people are more comfortable in approaching us for advice and requesting help. We now offer advice to approximately 15 young people every week."
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by Richard III, Croydon
Monday, September 06 2010, 4:45PM
“Test man - These young girls have no ambitions.
Lets be honest, and in no way do I tar all single mums with the same brush, but when you live in a council house with your mum and 4 or 5 (half) siblings, and your mother has never worked and you are surrounded by other people on the estate who are all popping babies like it is fashion; then it becomes the "norm".
They see their pregnant friends being put into houses, receiving free money and think "I want some of that".”
by shane, Krystal Palace 0
Monday, September 06 2010, 3:53PM
“this is true you can spell it eithr way.”
by Anon, Anon
Monday, September 06 2010, 2:47PM
“Tony? that name can be spelled either way. It refers to as a persons name.
Not just addo Anon? its all over croydon.”
by TONY TAN CITY FAN, EXETER DEVON
Monday, September 06 2010, 1:59PM
“And you young lady should brush up on your Spelling.....Crystal is spelt with a
c not a k as in Crystal Palace the rubbishy football team.”
by Anon, Anon
Monday, September 06 2010, 1:41PM
“Addo is on the up as usual they all love the benefits.”