Teen Services is to proclaim May as Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month.

The charity is inviting the public to a ceremony to mark the launch of a campaign on the subject at its base next to Fort Hamilton on Wednesday, at 12.30pm.

It said in a statement: “Teen Services has a long history in addressing the needs of Bermuda’s at-risk girls.

“Countless young people have transformed themselves from dropping out of school, being pregnant or being homeless to gaining meaningful life experiences, such as completing high school, receiving a college education, housing, and employment.

“More importantly, those clients who were mothers were able to establish a safe and stable environment for their children.

“Teen Services recognises that provision of comprehensive support services for at-risk young girls and women is paramount, as girls become mothers, who are responsible for raising the next generation of youth.

“Research shows that leaving issues unaddressed among at-risk girls perpetuates a continuous, viscous cycle of academic failure, teen pregnancy, gang violence, and drug abuse.

“Teen Services invites the community to get involved in raising awareness on prevention of teen pregnancy.”

In 1998, Teen Services joined forces with the National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Campaign, which is recognised worldwide, in observing May as Teen Pregnancy Prevention month. The purpose of the campaign in Bermuda is to increase public awareness on teen pregnancy. The ultimate aim of the campaign is to help young people make wise choices and in return reduce the rate of teen pregnancy.

Anyone interested in getting more involved as a sponsor, or as a volunteer, should call 292-4598 or e-mail teenservices@northrock.bm.