26/02/2004

Teen alcohol abuse and pregnancy targeted by pilot scheme

A new drive to help reduce drug and alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy in some of the country's most deprived areas has been announced today by Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson.

The Young People's Development Programme will offer 13-15 year olds an integrated programme of education and training opportunities across a range of areas including journalism, environmental activity, arts and sport, as well as mentoring, life skills and health related training.

The programme is based on a similar approach in the US which has led to reductions in teenage pregnancy and builds on existing programmes in England.

A total of 27 pilot schemes will run for three years under the programme. The pilots will be evaluated to help guide future policy on reducing substance abuse and improving sexual health. The overall scheme will be co-ordinated by The National Youth Agency (NYA).

Launching the programme, Melanie Johnson said: "These programmes aim to help young people who are at risk develop the skills to enable them to maximise their potential.

"We're investing £1.6 million into projects around England to enable them to extend and broaden the work they have underway with young people."

Hilary Spiers, Director of Communications at The NYA said that the pilots were designed to build on "strengths and potential" to allow young people to make informed decisions, rather than simply focusing on problems.

The pilot programme will be evaluated by the University of London Institute of Education's Social Science Research Unit to identify key elements contributing to the programme's effectiveness.

(gmcg)

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