Sheffield considers expansion of sexual health scheme

The programme, in partnership with NHS Sheffield, targets those deemed most at risk from sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

As well as one-to-one mentoring for young women, the programme includes health workshops, contraceptive and sexual health advice and working with parents and carers.

The pilot took place on the north and south of the city and followed a similar successful scheme in neighbouring Rotherham, which targeted 60 young women in the area. After a two-year period, only one of the target group had become pregnant while still a teenager.

Sheffield has the second lowest pregnancy rate for girls aged 15 to 17 of the largest cities in England, with around one in 20 becoming pregnant each year.

Andrew Sangar, the council's cabinet member for children's services and lifelong learning said: "If we want to reduce teenage pregnancy and levels of sexually transmitted infections in the city, then we need to make sure that all young people are well informed about methods of contraception and protection and know where they can go and who they can talk to so that they make well informed choices."

The city's cabinet is due to hear a report at its meeting on Wednesday 8 July.