WHAT DOES TEENS4CHOICE DO

Teens4choice promotes structured fun programmes for teenagers. These groups are divided into four programmes:

• First Group: Teenagers between 11-19 years
  
  
• Second group: Pregnant teenagers
  
  
• Third group: Teenage parents
  
  
• Fourth group: Mental Health Awareness Group

THE PROGRAMMES INCLUDE

Group one: Teenagers between 11-19 years
Teenage sexual health and behaviour, relationships, information on teenage pregnancy, teenage pregnancy, what to do. Some sessions delivered by young people through acting.

Group Two: Pregnant teenagers
Antenatal classes for teenage parents. We deliver sessions to help you with your journey through your pregnancy and prepare for the arrival of your baby. (YOU AND YOUR BUMP) partners are welcome and encouraged.

Group Three: Coping as a Teenage Parent
We’re here because you are the most important person in your child’s life. As a health visitor with a lot of experience, teenage parents will have specialised support regarding their health and the health of their children. We know that family life can be challenging and difficult. survey has shown that only 49 per cent of people think that teenage mums are responsible – are young parents overly-stigmatised in our society? We support you, so that you can do your best.

Group four: Attend our Mental Health Awareness group facilitated by our Qualified Mental Health Nurse and learn about all aspects of mental illness, how to cope and deal with stigma if one is a sufferer, carer or family member affected by mental illness. Effects of drugs on one's mental health, help and advice regarding post-natal depression or symptoms.

KEY FACTS

• The UK has the highest teenage birth and abortion rates in Western Europe.
  
  
• Groups who are more vulnerable to becoming teenage parents include young people who are: in or leaving care, homeless, underachieving at school, children of teenage parents, members of some ethnic groups, involved in crime, living in areas with higher social deprivation.
  
  
• Children of teenage mothers suffer as young adults in terms of lower educational attainment, a higher risk of economic inactivity and of becoming a teenage mother themselves. This may result because of the lower standard of living experienced by many teenage mothers, owing in part to the poorer earning partners that they pair with.
  
  
• According to research, if a father is present at the birth, and has his name on the birth certificate, the chances of remaining positively in the baby’s life are vastly increased.
  
  
• Research points to a surge in mental illness owing to a number of issues affecting teenagers including poverty, drug misuse and a general breakdown of the family unit.