Pfizer UK Foundation

Dundee has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Europe, with young people from deprived backgrounds far more likely to become parents. We recognised that this was a serious issue for the young people attending our Dundee centre, and felt there was a real need to address the underlying attitudes and behaviours that contribute to this. Support from the Pfizer UK Foundation has enabled Fairbridge in Dundee to help young people attending the centre take control of their sexual health.

Having identified young people who display signs of being involved in risky sexual behaviour, we have developed courses which provide first-hand experience of what being a parent involves. Funding from the Foundation helped us buy baby simulators, which we use to teach fundamental childcare skills; at the same time, the babies help young people to understand the challenges parents face on a daily basis, such as the cost of buying baby equipment and clothes.

Alongside this, we run sessions on contraception and sexual health, introducing young people to local healthcare workers and making sure they are fully aware of how to access support and advice. The sessions have proved very successful in helping young people to talk openly about sexual health, and raise any queries and concerns they have.