SPONSORS MAY WELL CONCEIVE BENEFITS OF SUPPORTING THESE CRISIS PREGNANCY CHARITIES

The aim of GirlAbout & Connections is to decrease the rate of teenage pregnancies in its local area, in line with the government's aim to halve the rate of conceptions for under 18s in England by the year 2010. GirlAbout is an initiative which gives practical help and friendship to young women and focuses on the prevention side of crisis pregnancies. As well as sexual health, the GirlAbout Drop In Centre offers girls information and support on a wide range of social issues, including eating disorders, family problems, domestic violence, further education and job search, etc. In addition to this a range of literature concerning these issues is also available. The organisation also has plans to set up workshops focusing on improving skills such as cv writing and interview skills to help young women in their future careers. Connections Pregnancy Crisis Centre offers a free confidential crisis pregnancy counselling service, including free pregnancy testing. It provides help for young women who are already pregnant or who think they might be pregnant by discussing in-depth all of the options they have available to them, and by supporting them through the decision they choose to make. It also offers free baby clothes and equipment to those who may not otherwise be able to afford them. Connections provides support on both an emotional and practical basis, offering care, friendship and understanding to young women in a relaxed and non-clinical (and therefore non-threatening) environment. Both GirlAbout and Connections are aimed at young women aged between 13 and 25 within the Watford and Three Rivers District area. However, this is not exclusive, and the service is accessed by young women from outside this geographical area and age range. Sponsorship support is now being sought.   Contact: Beki Hayward, Centre Fundraiser. Tel.: 08452 701 701. Other contact details in our Cause-related: people section.   E&OE