Last updated 15:44, Wednesday, 19 November 2008

FOR TODAY’S young people, the teenage years are filled with choice and opportunity. There are more options for learning than ever before and a wealth of routes to follow into the fast-changing world of work. In their personal lives too, young people face important choices; about their health, relationships, money and more.

PULLING THE CROWDS: A well-supported event organised by Connexions Cumbria

In order to make the most of the opportunities available, make choices and progress successfully through their teenage years, young people need high-quality impartial information, advice and guidance.

Connexions Cumbria is the support service for all 13 – 19 year olds and up to the age of 25 for young people who have learning difficulties/ disabilities.

Every young person can use the Connexions service for the help they need to make choices about their future

We offer information, advice and guidance about learning and career choices, job and apprenticeship vacancies, personal and lifestyle issues. When young people encounter problems and need extra help, Connexions Personal Advisers provide sustained support and connect them with other, specialist services.

Connexions Cumbria is an independent and impartial service – surveys show that young people trust us and feel that we respect and listen to them.

Although it might not always feel like it, parents/carers are the most important influence over young people’s aspirations and the choices they make. Naturally, young people often prefer to seek advice from the people who know them best, their individual circumstances, their strengths and their interests.

But staying up to date with all the changing options isn’t easy. Parents tell us that although they want to help, they don’t always know where to start. Connexions Cumbria can support parents too…

Personal Advisers attend parents events at schools to offer information and advice

We hold family open evenings at Connexions Centres to introduce young people and their parents to the support available

We produce information for parents and invite them to attend local events like careers conventions and Higher Education fairs

Of course, every young person and every parent is different, and what works for one may not work for another. The important point to remember is that there are people who can help you and your son/daughter through the maze of choices ahead. It is never too early to start planning and think about what is important.

We also provide information and Advice for adults who are over 20 years old and need help. If you are unsure about next steps why not contact us for help with future planning.

Face-to-face or online, in school or on the high street, at weekends or in the holidays – our services are designed to suit young people and their families…

DROP-IN to a Connexions Centre open six days a week throughout the year

Workington: 213 Vulcans Lane, Workington CA14 2BT

Maryport: 12a Selby Terrace, Maryport CA15 6NF

Whitehaven: Roper Street, Whitehaven CA28 7AR

Carlisle: 28 Lowther Street, Carlisle CA3 8DH

Penrith: 43 Middlegate, Penrith CA11 7PT

Barrow: 237 – 241 Dalton Road, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 1PQ

Ulverston: 6 Cross Street, Ulverston LA12 7LF

Kendal: 124 Highgate, Kendal LA9 4HE

ASK A TUTOR – In every school and college, Connexions Cumbria Personal Advisers carry out group activities and individual guidance sessions.

CALL our FREEPHONE helpline 0800 435 709 to speak with local advisers

EMAIL us on info@connexionscumbria.co.uk for a speedy response to enquiries

CLICK ON the Connexions Cumbria website - www.connexionscumbria.co.uk for help with work, learning, and life in general. Our website is packed with essential information and advice, links to other resources and the unique Jobs Online service.

Connexions Direct is a service for young people aged 13-19 that offers quick access to information and advice on a wide range of topics through one easy to use website and telephone number.

Connexions Direct Advisers take calls from 8.00 am to 2.00 am 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Telephone 0800 13 2 19; text 077664 13 2 19. Web chat or email connexions-direct.com

Futures 4 me is a area wide prospectus, which shows detailed information on courses available across the whole of Cumbria from a range of providers including schools, sixth forms, colleges and training providers. It will help you to find out more about courses and help you to make informed decisions.