Making Connexions

29 May 2003

The Royal Borough Mayor, Councillor Christopher Buckmaster will join Connexions Chief Executive, Anne Weinstock next week to launch the Borough's impressive new Connexions Centre. The Centre, on Freston Road, will open its doors on 4 June at 2pm.

Royal Borough Councillors and officers will join the celebrations alongside members of the Central London Connexions Partnership Board including Chairman, Sir Peter Newsam, and local young people. The Royal Borough is the lead body for Connexions for the whole of central London which includes seven London boroughs.

The Centre will be available in the coming months and years to provide a wide range of Connexions services across the Borough and has teamed up with the Borough's Library Service to set up a satellite service for young people.

Connexions is a national initiative providing services for young people aged 13-19. The age is extended to 24 for those with learning difficulties. The aim is to give youngsters the best start in life by offering information, advice and guidance on a wide range of issues that concern them.

The Connexions Centre will be a one-stop shop giving information and support on: careers; training; education and employment; benefits and housing; and student life. The Royal Borough is leading the country in making all these services for young people available from one central point. This is a great leap forward in the provision of services for young people. The One2One Counselling Service will be readily available as well as free Internet access, life skills training and a juice bar run by young people themselves to promote a healthy diet.

Councillor Christopher Buckmaster said: "Connexions is a key service for young people and I am delighted to see this Centre in our Borough. The services on offer will ensure that young people can have the chance to develop skills and knowledge that will set them up for life. I look forward to witnessing the progress and success of the Centre. I hope the trailblazing example of the Royal Borough will soon be replicated elsewhere in the country."

Anne Weinstock, Chief Executive of Connexions Service National Unit, said: "I'm delighted that all young people in Kensington and Chelsea will now be able to access a whole range of services through this centre. Connexions gives teenagers the advice and support they need to succeed and fulfil their potential. I'd like to thank everyone, both young people and professionals, who have played a part in getting the centre up and running."

Please contact the Connexions Centre for further information on the Centre and its services.

Notes for Editors:

Press invited to the Launch. Contact Press and Public Relations.
There will be photo opportunities.
More information on Connexions is available from www.connexions.gov.uk
Connexions is available across all 47 regions of England (based on the Learning and Skills Council areas).
Over 6,500 Personal Advisers (full time equivalents) are now in post nationwide.
A £2.3 million publicity campaign will run from right across the Summer, using advertising on television, radio and the Internet, as well as SMS text messaging, telephone boxes and bus interiors. It will target all young people in England aged 13-19, inviting them to get in touch with the Connexions Service through their schools and colleges or high street Connexions centres.
The Connexions Card is a secure smartcard offering rewards and incentives to young people aged 16 to 19 for engaging in learning, work-based training or voluntary activities. The Card allows young people to collect reward points which can be exchanged for discounted and free goods and services and exclusive 'money can't buy' experiences. More information can be found at www.connexionscard.com.
In March 2001, an additional £177m funding for Connexions in 2002-03 was announced, bringing the total budget to £420m. This represented the biggest investment in advice and guidance for many years. In October 2001, the budget for Connexions was given a further boost by the announcement of a further £35m in 2003-04, making a total budget of around £455m.

For more information contact Press and Public Relations.