Advice for Young People

Connexions is a national strategy with the key goal of reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training. Connexions works with young people aged 13-19 years (up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties or disabilities) providing information, advice and support, working with other agencies and organisations to remove barriers preventing effective participation in learning and achievement of full potential. For further information, please click on the link on the right hand side (Associated Links).

Who benefits from Connexions?

Connexions works with young people aged 13-19 years, (up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties). BMBC is contracted to deliver Connexions through the deployment of nine Personal Advisers (PA) to the following targeted groups:

• support for young people 13-16 who are not educated in school or who have difficulties in attending school - PA base: The Springwell Centre, St Helen's Boulevard, Carlton Road, Barnsley S71 2AY.
  
• young people 13+ who are looked after and those within and leaving the care system - PA base: NCH. 26-30 Eldon Street, Barnsley S70 2JB.
  
• young people 16+ within the community who are disengaged and have multiple barriers preventing their participation in learning and achievement of full potential - PA base: The Eldon Centre. Eldon Street North, Barnsley S71 1LQ.
• young offenders - PA base: Youth Offending Team, Crookes Street, Barnsley S70 6BX.
  

How can young people get support?

Young people can self refer to any Personal Adviser or by completing the Connexions Referral Form . Agencies and organisations are asked to provide referral information which details assessment of need and priorities sought through Connexions intervention.

Helplines

Connexions Direct Advisers are available between 8am and 2am on 080 800 13219 (a free mobile call back service is available).

Opening Times/Locations

All three PA base locations at John Street, Eldon Street and Eldon Street North are open 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. Personal Advisors also work with young people on evenings and weekends in a variety of settings including home visits.

How the Customer Can Help

• By providing relevant information on referral to help identify needs and outcome sought.
  
• By providing contact details, for example: telephone numbers, addresses, friends or other agency worker, so that the Personal Advisor can keep in contact.

Leaflets

A range of information leaflets are available from Personal Adviser base locations and access points detailed in the section below.

Distribution Points

PA bases:

The Springwell Centre, St Helen's Boulevard, Carlton Road, Barnsley S71 2AY.
NCH, 26-30 Eldon Street, Barnsley S70 2JB.
The Eldon Centre, Eldon Street North, Barnsley S71 1LQ.

Community access points:

Dearne Youth Centre, Goldthorpe Green, Goldthorpe, Rotherham S63 9EJ.
Roundhouse Resource Centre, Laithes Crescent, Athersley, Barnsley S71 3AE.
Kendray Resource Centre, Thornton Road, Kendray, Barnsley S30 6LZ.
Penistone Youth Centre, High Street, Penistone, Sheffield S30 6BS.
Barnsley Careers Centre, Temperence House, Pitt Street, Barnsley S70 1AL.
Hoyland Komplex Youth Centre, Kirk Balk School Campus, Hoyland, Barnsley S74 9HX.

Legislation

Connexions is a national strategy resulting from the White Paper 'Learning to Succeed' - with each Connexions Partnership working to National requirements set by Government.

Response Times/Next Steps

A Personal Adviser or their manager will make contact within one working day of receiving referral/contact request.

More detailed information will be gathered regarding the young person's needs in order to ensure access to the most appropriate provision; this may include support to access specialist service providers.

Out of Hours Procedure

A Connexions Direct Adviser is available 8am to 2am on 080 800 13219.

Owner Officer Contact Details

Connexions Strategy Manager
Telephone: 01226 773622
Email:  cypf@barnsley.gov.uk

Additional Notes

Connexions Personal Advisers work with young people on the basis that the young person understands and agrees to the plan and outcomes of any intervention by the personal adviser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can BMBC Personal Advisers provide careers education guidance to young people in school or college?
No!   Lifetime has the contract and expertise to deliver this service. Their contact details are:

Barnsley Careers Centre, Temperence House, Pitt Street, Barnsley S70 1AL
Telephone: 01226 205686.

Related Links:

• Connexions