Teen pregnancy campaign shortlisted for award
A council project to reduce teenage pregnancy rates in Barrhead’s Auchenback has been shortlisted for a UK-wide award.
The LGC Awards, run by Local Government Chronicle, recognise the best of local government innovation and service delivery.
Nearly 100 organisations have been shortlisted as finalists in the awards, with East Renfrewshire’s project nominated in the Public Health category.
Councillor Colm Merrick, convener for Community Services and Community Safety at East Renfrewshire Council, said:“I’m delighted to see the project to reduce teenage pregnancy rates in Auchenback shortlisted at a UK level.
“The project has made a massive impact. Not only has it altered the life and health outcomes of many young people in Barrhead for the better, but it’s also led to East Renfrewshire having the lowest number of teenage pregnancies of a Scottish mainland council.
“A massive well done to East Renfrewshire Council’s Young Persons Services and indeed all involved in this very successful project. I wish them every success with the LGC awards.”
The project to reduce teenage pregnancy rates saw a partnership with local young parents and high schools, using science, data and youth work to make a huge difference.
Auchenback had consistently above average teenage pregnancy rates for a decade and accounted for 21 per cent of East Renfrewshire’s teenage pregnancies.
This project reduced the teenage pregnancy rate in Auchenback by 60 per cent.
The percentage of first-time mums ages 19 or under in Barrhead is now nine per cent, having fallen from 22 per cent – a fall far faster than the national rate.
LGC editor Nick Golding said:“To be shortlisted for an LGC Award shows a council service is among the country’s most innovative, and doing the most to support the needs of local residents as councils face continuing budget cuts. We should salute the council officers and councillors doing the most to ensure our vital public services thrive in the era of austerity.”
Winners will be announced in March.