Connexions is a publicly funded service for 13-19 year olds.

How do we help?

• We have trained and qualified staff who work with young people. They give free, impartial and confidential information, advice, guidance and support. Connexions Personal Advisers (PAs) work with young people individually and in groups. This could be during a one-off talk with a young person, or they may keep in touch with a young person over a longer period of time if that young person needs more support. Their help can be through face-to-face contact, on the ‘phone or by email. They can also work on behalf of a young person, for example, negotiating a place at college for a young person who needs extra support. To find your local Connexions team click here.
• Connexions also produces a lot of information for 13-19 year olds, their parents, teachers, trainers and employers. These are leaflets, booklets, websites and events. For example, every year 9 and year 11 student receives a Fact File from Connexions each year. To find out more see our publications or email: info@connexions-northamptonshire.org.uk
• Our IAGS Development Team supports schools, colleges and training providers to deliver programmes that inform and skill teenagers for choices in education, training and work. To find out more click here.
• Our Central Vacancy Unit works with employers to generate and advertise work and training opportunities for young people in the county. To find out more click here.
• Our Work Experience Team works with schools and employers to organise work experience for young people in the county. To find out more click here.

Who do we help?

• Every 13-19 year old in the county is entitled to information, advice, guidance and support from Connexions. We also support young people with learning difficulties and disabilities up to the age of 25.
• We help young people in and out of education and training. Our aim is to help them achieve their potential by staying in education, training and employment.
• Another important focus of our work is with young people who have left school and are not in education, training or employment (NEET).
• Not everyone needs to see a Connexions Personal Adviser. They may get all the information they need from our publications and websites.
• Any 13-19 year can ask for information or help from Connexions at any time. When our offices are closed, young people can contact Connexions Direct (see below for details).

Where can you find us?

The local arrangements are:

• Each school, college and pupil referral unit has a linked Connexions Personal Adviser (PA). A young person can contact their PA there.
• Once teenagers have left school or college they can contact Connexions at their nearest Connexions Access Point.
• We have public offices in all major towns in the county. To find your nearest office and opening times look on www.4you2.org.uk in the ‘Our Centres’ section.
• Local free phone number 0800 73 13 2 19 ( mobile companies may charge for calls made to this number)
• Email info@4you2.org.uk
• Young people’s website www.4you2.org.uk

Nationally, the government funds Connexions Direct:

• Seven days a week, 8.00 am to 2.00 am
• Free phone 080 8000 13 2 19
• www.connexions-direct.com
• Email and webchat facilities are available on their website
• Text 077664 13 2 19

What information do we keep about young people and why?

The government requires us to keep confidential records on all 13-19 year olds in the county.

Like many organisations that provide services for young people – for example, schools or doctors – we hold information about young people. We do this so that we can provide them with information and services at the right time for them. For example, so that they can go on work experience, or be given information and advice about options in education, training and work. We aim to help young people achieve their potential. This relies on having accurate and relevant information about each individual. This information is confidential to Connexions.

Click here to see a leaflet about what information we hold and why.

Click here to see our confidentiality statement for young people.