Please contact us directly if you have further queries regarding the Brent Connexions service.

Q What is Connexions?
A Connexions is the government's support service for all young people aged 13 to 19 (up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities) in England. The service aims to provide integrated information, advice, guidance and access to personal development opportunities for this group and to help them make a smooth transition to adulthood and working life and achieve their full potential. The success of Connexions depends on the involvement of young people - listening to and taking account of their views in the design and delivery of Connexions is essential.
Connexions in Brent joins up the work of the council, together with private and voluntary sector groups and youth and careers services. It brings together all the services and support young people need during their teenage years. It offers practical help with choosing the right courses and careers, including access to broader personal development through activities like sport, performing arts and volunteering activities. It also provides help and advice on issues like drug abuse, sexual health and homelessness.

Q How do we deliver our services?
A Connexions offers differentiated and integrated support to young people. All young people can have access to a personal adviser . For some young people this may be just for careers advice, for others it may involve more in-depth support to help identify barriers to learning and find solutions brokering access to more specialist support. The personal advisers will work in a range of settings, schools, colleges, one-stop shops community centres and on an out-reach basis.

Q How to access Connexions?
A For young people in schools and colleges, the Connexions services are provided by Personal Advisers based within these establishments. For young people who have left school, Connexions can be accessed via the Wembley Connexions Centre. Specialist PA's are also available who are trained to deal with specific issues such as drugs support, teenage pregnancy and homelessness.

Primary Access Centres
Primary Access Centres have been designed to be able to deal comprehensively with young peoples needs. The Primary Access Centre in Brent is located at the Brent Connexions Centre.

Brent Connexions Centre,
169-171 High Road,
Willesden,
London
NW10 2SD
Tel: 020 8438 1650
Fax: 020 8902 3144

Secondary Access Centres - in schools and colleges
As well as providing information and advice, Secondary Access Centres are also able to analyse the initial needs of young people so that they can be referred to the appropriate Primary Centre. These secondary access centres can be accessed via most schools, colleges and youth centres. A PA will be available for part of the working week.

Sign Posting Centres –
Sign posting centres are located in youth clubs, and voluntary and community centres to direct young people to Connexions Services.

Q What is a PA?
A A PA is a Personal Adviser - someone who can give you information, advice and practical help with all sorts of things, like choosing what subjects to study at school or helping you decide what career to choose. PAs can also help with things that might be affecting you at school, college, work or at home.

PAs are not your teachers, your parents or your carers - they won't nag you or tell you what to do. What they will do is treat you with respect, listen to what you need and provide you with advice that works. PAs are very experienced; whatever your issue, they've seen it all before and they'll know how to help. Any discussions held with a PA will be confidential to Connexions unless we need to pass the information on to protect you or others.

Q Who can have a PA?
A Anyone aged 13-19 (up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities) can have a PA, whether you're at school, college, working or just doing your own thing. No issue is too big or too small to take to your Personal Adviser:-
• If you want advice choosing your options in Year 9? PAs can help.
• Maybe you're trying to find a job? No problem.
• In trouble with the law? PAs will let you know your rights.
• You think you might be pregnant? PAs will help you to review your options.

Q Where can I find a PA?
A PAs can be contacted through the Connexions Centre in Wembley, through schools and colleges and through youth clubs and some community centres.