MP discusses teenage pregnancy

Harrison Reid, 20, is chairman of the Bexhill Young Parents Peer Education Project.

Along with other parents aged between 16-25, he and partner Chrissie Emblen, 24, aim to make clear the reality of teenage pregnancy to young people.

Their group was formed in October 2008, holding weekly meetings in Sidley Community Centre.

Following a funding crisis, they held a table sale in Parkhurst Hall in February, which helped them continue their sessions.

Now they are seeking 2,800 to visit local schools and hold educational sessions with pupils.

In Greg Barker's constituency office in Amherst Road last week, the group discussed how best to achieve their common goal of greater understanding of the implications of teenage pregnancy, and funding avenues the group might develop.

Greg said: "There is an assumption that young people with a baby will get their own flat. That is not the case. All too often young girls are left in unsuitable accomodation, alone, with no prospects of improving their chances.

"I know some young parents struggle having not understood the ramifications of having a baby at a young age. I also know that the most effective support and advice comes not from distant authority figures but from peers and people who other young people can relate to.

"This is deserving and effective and the return will be huge."

Cllr Hughes said: "Having today met these two young people I would hope that other young people in the community will follow their lead.

"This is a great way of doing it. People need to realise how desperate teenage pregnancy can be.

"People who leave home with a baby do not necessarily get housed, which means they have to live in accomodation that is not acceptable."

Chrissie spoke positively of the meeting, saying: "That was helpful, we were stuck on who else to approach and are busy planning our educational sessions for the schools."

Harrison added: "We're passionate about helping the community, and meeting Greg and Joy was very useful."