Targeting a reduction in teenage pregnancy rates in Norfolk - a pilot for integrating care

Purpose - This paper aims to demonstrate the approach taken in Norfolk to improve the health and welfare of young people. Local practitioners in Thetford want to address teenage pregnancy rates as a priority issue for their community; they have volunteered to be part of a national pilot to test integrated working in a service that involves many agencies and services.Design methodology approach - This health promotion service was a particular challenge for integration as it involved building partnerships between children's and adults' services, health and social care, education and care services, and voluntary and statutory services. The service also covered the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. A local core group, chaired by a GP, planned four phases of work: design, information gathering, service redesign and evaluation. This paper sets out an analysis of progress and achievements.Findings - The group recognised the multiple factors affecting young people and their lives and lifestyles in this area of social deprivation and the benefits of partnership working. Improvements to date include better coordination, improved access to services and an enhancement of services.Research limitations implications - The impact will not be measurable within the timescale of the pilot project in respect of reducing pregnancy rates; the work is ongoing.Practical implications - Implications of the study include how partnership working can lead to targeting resources and to improving access to contraception and services.Originality value - This study is a local initiative within the national programme for integrating care, demonstrating the benefits of working together to target resources and working in a more coordinated way.