Connexions Derbyshire
The Service
Connexions is the Government’s national information, advice and support service for all13 to 19-year-olds and older for those with learning difficulties or disabilities. It is known locally as Connexions Derbyshire. Its aim is to help all young people take part in some form of learning and fulfil their potential, whatever they choose to do and regardless of their abilities and background.
Connexions Personal Advisers
Chris Clarke is a personal adviser (PA) who works 2 days a week in Woodlands Community School. He is available to help young people with anything that is important to them - from careers, education and training to more personal issues such as housing, bullying, health and relationships. His office is on the main corridor behind reception. Interviews can be arranged through form tutors or by contacting Chris directly. Drop-in sessions in the library are also held most Fridays from 12.45 to 1.15pm
Working in partnership
Connexions PAs work in partnership with a number of specialist organisations that also help young people and will arrange for their support when needed. The service is confidential and any information gathered about young people is protected by the Data Protection Act 1998.
Delivery of Connexions Derbyshire services
Connexions services are delivered from Connexions centres throughout Derbyshire, acting as ‘one-stop-shops’. These centres offer a wide range of information resources, local job vacancy details and free access to the internet. In addition, some services are available from a number of other community outlets.
Involving young people in Connexions
Young people are not only helped by Connexions, they are also heavily involved in how it is run and the help it offers. Staff consult with young people via focus groups, questionnaires etc and young people sit on selection panels for new staff. Views from all young people are always welcome.
Free information helpline
Connexions Derbyshire has a free information helpline - 0800 269 468 - which provides information on careers, courses, training etc and details of Connexions centres and services.
The Connexions Card
The Connexions service also includes the Connexions Card and Connexions Direct. The Connexions Card is a smartcard, which is free and available for all 16- to 19-year-olds. It enables them to collect points for things that involve learning, including attendance and voluntary work. The points can then be exchanged for discounts in local stores, travel, sport and leisure and ‘once in a lifetime experiences’. The cards are issued by some learning centres (eg colleges, schools) and training providers or young people can apply for one themselves. For more information visit www.connexionscard.com or call the young person’s helpline 0808 172 3333.
Connexions Direct
Connexions Direct gives young people access to information and advice from trained advisers, from 8am to 2am, 7 days a week. They can phone 080 800 13 2 19, webchat www.connexions-direct.com e-mail www.connexions-direct.com or text 07766 4 13 2 19.
For further information on Connexions:
Websites:
www.connexions-derbyshire.org (the local service, Connexions Derbyshire)
www.connexions.gov.uk (the national service and links to The Connexions Card and Connexions Direct)
Freephone: Connexions Derbyshire Helpline - 0800 269468