What is Connexions?
Connexions is a youth support service which provides advice, information and guidance (IAG) on careers and learning for all young people aged 13 - 19 via schools, colleges and Connexions Centres.
More intensive help is available for young people with learning difficulties or disabilities up to the age of 25, or those with complex needs such as teenage parents, people excluded from school, those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), care leavers, young offenders or those with substance misuse issues.
It offers every young person, whatever their circumstances, access to advice, guidance, information and support to ensure a smooth transition into adulthood, citizenship and working life.
What does Connexions do?
Connexions works in partnership with a wide range of organisations that also aim to help young people get the best from their lives. These organisations include youth services, schools and colleges, voluntary and community groups, education welfare services, training providers, police, local authorities, youth offending teams, employers and the Young People's Learning Agency.
Connexions, along with their partners, works to ensure that young people:
- achieve economic well-being;
- be healthy;
- enjoy and achieve;
- make a positive contribution;
- stay safe.
As a parent/carer you will play a crucial role in supporting your child. Connexions aims to support you, not replace you.
What are Connexions Personal Advisers?
Services are delivered via a network of Connexions personal advisers. Every young person should have access to a personal adviser.
Connexions personal advisers are qualified to give young people advice and guidance on a wide range of issues including:
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careers;
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education and learning;
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housing;
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health;
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keeping active and volunteering;
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The Law, rights and responsibilities;
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money;
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personal development;
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relationships;
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work and training;
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e2e - Entry to Employment Programme.
They can help young people deal with anything that might be stopping them achieving the best with their life. Their ultimate aim is to help young people successfully enter education, employment or training.
Careers education and guidance in school helps young people learn about themselves, their future options and how to make informed, realistic decisions. Some young people will need little or no additional advice and guidance, others will need more intensive, long term support.
How does my child access the Connexions Service?
Young people can access advice and guidance from Connexions through school, college, community settings like youth clubs or from their local 'drop-in' Connexions Centre.
Local Connexions Centres
Connexions Chippenham 01249 449900 (Mon, Tue, Thurs 9:30am-5:00pm, Wed 10:00am-5:00pm, Fri 9:30am-4:00pm) CNX_chippenham@wiltshire.gov.uk
1 Avon Reach
Monkton Hill
Chippenham
SN15 1EE
Connexions Salisbury 01722 424400 (Mon, Tue, Thurs 9:30am - 5:00pm, Wed 10:00am - 5:00pm, Fri 9:30am - 4:00pm) CNX_Salisbury@wiltshire.gov.uk
Milford House
43-55 Milford Street
Salisbury
SP1 2BP
Connexions Trowbridge 01225 716450 (Mon, Tue, Thurs 9:30am - 5:00pm, Wed 10:00am - 5:00pm, Fri 9:30am - 4:00pm) CNX_Trowbridge@wiltshire.gov.uk
1 Wicker Hill
Trowbridge
BA14 8JS.
The September Guarantee
All 16 year olds must be offered a place in learning by the end of September. Connexions personal advisers will give additional advice and guidance to those who find it difficult to find a suitable placement. This guarantee also extends to 17 year olds finishing one-year courses or short courses and to those who have left the activity they chose when leaving school at 16.
Further Information
You can also get immediate support and information from Connections Direct at
www.connexions-direct.com
For all the information you need to help your teenager make subject choices in Year 9 and career and learning choices in Year 11 visit www.connexions-direct.com/parentcarer
Young people can find out all they need to know about local courses, schools and colleges, qualifications and funding at http://swinwilts.futures4me.co.uk
