THE number of teenage pregnancies in the borough has reduced for the third consecutive year, latest figures show.

In 2013 there were 106 conceptions of under 18s, which compared to 123 the previous year and 147 in 2011.

This is the lowest number of under 18 conceptions in St Helens since 2005, giving an annual rate of 34.2 per 1000 young women aged 15-17 years becoming pregnant compared to 38.1 in 2012 and 45.4 in 2011.

Meanwhile, the number of under 16 conceptions, which is measured on a rolling three year basis, has also fallen with 88 pregnancies for 2011-2013, compared to 108 for 2010-2012 and 113 for 2009-2011.

As the Star reported, a new Sexual Healthy Strategy 2015-18 has been launched with a vision to improve sexual health needs of young people in St Helens.

Since April 2014, a six-week healthy body healthy mind programme has been delivered to 463 young people in the borough.

Other initiatives include modernised sexual health clinics, school based drop-ins and key training for youth service workers and front line professionals.

There is also support for teenage mothers through the Family Nurse Partnership intensive health visiting programme. This has been shown to improve life chances for young mothers and their babies.

Director of public health for St Helens Council Liz Gaulton said: “Teenage conceptions remain an important issue in St Helens as the local rate is significantly higher than the England and North West averages at 24.3 and 27.6 per 1,000 respectively.

“However, over recent years, teenage conceptions in St Helens have fallen at a faster rate than both national and regional values and we are committed to building on the positive work undertaken locally.”

To find out more about sexual health visit getiton.org.uk or tazsh.com or call 0845 155 0156 for more information.