Article: Information, advice and guidance for children and young people Article Body The national strategy for young people's information, advice and guidance (IAG) October 2009, sets out the need for high quality IAG to help them find their way in the world and make decisions that will set them on the path to success. We want young people to access the support and opportunities they need to: succeed in education and continue participating in learning until the age of 18 make informed choices about their careers and be prepared for the demands of working life raise their aspirations and fulfil their potential overcome barriers that may be preventing them from releasing their talents. The foundation and delivery of good quality IAG are available through schools, colleges and learning providers, in addition to an enhanced and personalised service which can be accessed via the Connexions service. Connexions works with other agencies and organisations to resolve issues and remove any barriers that could prevent young people participating in learning and achieving their full potential. 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. BMBC Connexions services provide support for: young people 13-16 who are not educated in school or who have difficulties in attending school Personal adviser base: Oakwell Youth Enterprise Centre, Off Pontefract Rd Barnsley S71 1HX young people 13+ who are looked after and those within and leaving the care system Personal adviser base: Action for Children, Temperance House Pitt Street, Barnsley S70 1AL young people 16+ within the community who are disengaged and have multiple barriers preventing them from participating in learning and achieving their full potential Personal adviser base: The Eldon Centre, Eldon Street North, Barnsley S71 1LQ young offenders Personal adviser base: Youth Offending Team, Crookes Street, Barnsley S70 6BX. Telephone: 01226 299222 Prospects Connexions services provide: careers advice and guidance for all young people in Barnsley secondary and special schools careers advice and guidance for young people aged 16+ attending college and training providers in Barnsley a town centre facility (Pitt Street - opposite the main post office) where young people can call in for information on learning and employment vacancies, labour market information, advice on any relevant benefits, or help with applications, job search and CV. (Please note that from 1 January 2011, EMA will be discontinued; however applications can still be made up to 31 December 2010) . support to apply for education, training and employment opportunities through the Area Wide Prospectus, Common Application Process and National Apprenticeship Service Prospects Office and Connexions Centre Temperance House Pitt Street Barnsley S70 1AL Telephone: 01226 205686 Voluntary Action Barnsley (VAB) Connexions Services The third sector (voluntary) Connexions Service works directly with young people from a range of local community groups in the Barnsley area to help them overcome any barriers they may face. Two fully qualified and experienced personal advisers are employed, who can be contacted on the third sector Connexions telephone number below or in person at the following local drop in centres: Athersley - Romero Centre - Tuesdays 3 - 4pm Hoyland Complex Youth Centre - Tuesdays 12 - 1.15pm during school term time Barnsley Town Centre - The Core, County Way - Fridays 10.30am - 12.30pm Telephone 01226 320104 How young people can access support Young people can self refer to any personal adviser by calling any of the above telephone numbers or seeing a personal adviser at one of the delivery points. Organisations/agencies can also make a referral on behalf of a young person by completing a Connexions Referral Form. This information helps detail assessment of need and priorities sought through Connexions intervention. Within five working days of receiving a referral/contact request, a personal adviser or their manager will make contact with the young person to gather more information about their needs to make sure they receive the appropriate support, which might be from a specialist service provider. Legislation Section 8 Employment and Training Act 1973 Learning and Skills Act 2000 Education Act 1977 amended by Education and Skills Act 2008 Apprenticeships Skills Children and Learning Act 2009 Related documents NEET Strategy and Action Plan 2008-10 Related links Connexions Direct helpline Logon2 Careers Voluntary Action Barnsley Things to do in Barnsley Info 4 Barnsley Young People U-xplore.com Aim Higher How to contact us Connexions Direct advisers are available between 8am and 2am on 080 800 13219 (a free mobile call back service is available) www.connexions-direct.com Personal advisers are based at: Base Address Opening times Oakwell Youth Enterprise Centre Oakwell View,Off Pontefract Rd, Barnsley S71 1HX 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday Action for Children Temperance House, Pitt Street, Barnsley S70 1AL 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday The Eldon Centre Eldon Street North, Barnsley S71 1LQ 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday Prospects Temperance House, Pitt Street, Barnsley S70 1AL 9am to 5pm Mondays and Thursdays 10am to 7pm on Tuesdays 10am to 6pm on Wednesdays 10am to 4pm on Fridays Voluntary Action Barnsley The Core, County Way, Barnsley S70 2JW 9am to 5:pm Monday to Friday Personal advisers also work with young people on evenings and weekends in a variety of settings, including home visits. Community access points are located at: Dearne Youth Centre Goldthorpe Green, Goldthorpe, Rotherham S63 9EJ Worsbrough Youth Centre Ardsley Road , Worsbrough Dale, Barnsley S70 4RL Penistone Youth Centre High Street, Penistone, Sheffield S30 6BS Barnsley Connexions Centre Temperance House, Pitt Street, Barnsley S70 1AL Hoyland Komplex Youth Centre Kirk Balk School Campus, Hoyland, Barnsley S74 9HX Romero Centre 27 Laithes Lane, Athersley, Barnsley S71 1AF The Core County Way , Barnsley , S70 2JW Youth Offices Barnsley Road Wombwell S73 8HT A range of information leaflets are available from the personal adviser base locations and community access points above. Frequently asked questions How can I get help to decide what I want to do when I leave school? Your school base Connexions personal adviser will be able to help you. If you are unsure how to contact them, ask the Barnsley Connexions Centre on 01226 205686. I am currently out of learning/unemployed. Have I missed the chance to find a good job and career? Contact one of the Connexions Service providers listed previously - Prospects, BMBC and VAB, or call in to one of the community access points or Barnsley Connexions Centre. Are there any benefits that I can access to help me? Yes , depending on your personal circumstances see a Connexions personal adviser as above. Do I have to do something once I am over the age of 16? Young people have better life chances if they are engaged in learning after 16 years old. By 2015, all young people will have to be engaged in learning or employment with training until the age of 18.