Who can help?

• Your parents/carers, family and friends, who probably know you better than anyone. They know your good and bad points, and the things that make you feel happy and contented. Discuss your ideas with them - they may have some useful suggestions.
• Connexions personal advisers are trained to give advice and guidance in the field of careers and on other issues. Your Connexions personal adviser visits your school on a regular basis. You can ask your form tutor or careers co-ordinator to organise a meeting for you. Alternatively, you may be able to just pop-in at break times for a chat, and to use the careers resources.
• Your Connexions personal adviser will be able to give you careers information and also refer you to other organisations if needed.
• Careers co-ordinators have special responsibilities for careers and careers-related matters within schools. They also have a very good knowledge of all the GCSEs, Diplomas and other courses available to you.
• Subject teachers are very useful people to talk to because they know their subjects very well. They also teach you regularly so they will have a very good idea about the ways in which you work, and how well you would cope with higher-level study.
• Connexions Direct advisers are people who are trained in giving information and advice to young people. You can contact them through the Connexions Direct website or via e-mail, text or adviser online. They will be able to give you help and support on a range of issues, including careers.
• Special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO). If you have a learning difficulty or disability that affects your studies, you may get help from a SENCO. Most schools have one.
• Learning mentors and tutors. Ask your form tutor if your school has learning mentors (people who work with you to overcome difficulties with learning). If you access learning support, one of your learning support teachers may be able to give you advice or, if not, ask your tutor.
• Local business people invited by your school to talk to you.

"I keep hearing about Connexions, but what is it?"

• Connexions is a service which will help you make the right choices about courses, training and careers. Connexions staff, called personal advisers, can also offer help with application forms and any other issues you have that might stop you getting on with your life.
• Connexions personal advisers spend time in most secondary schools in England. You should have been introduced to a personal adviser in school during Year 8 or 9. You can also speak to a personal adviser at your local Connexions centre.
• Staff at your school can tell you how to contact the Connexions service. Click here for general information about Connexions or where to find your local Connexions centre.

Connexions Direct is a telephone helpline and web-based service for young people aged 13-19. It gives you quick and easy access to information on a wide range of issues from careers to housing and from substance misuse to teenage pregnancy, and a whole lot more.

Advisers are available from 8am to 2am, seven days a week. As well as a one-to-one discussion with an adviser on-line, you can receive e-mail replies to your questions. You can also phone an adviser on 080 800 13 2 19 or text on 07766 4 13 2 19. For more information see www.connexions-direct.com.

If you have a disability

Your Connexions personal adviser will offer you lots of help and support. They can also link you with organisations which specialise in advising people with your disability and help you access websites that cover a range of educational and lifestyle choices. Click here to contact a Connexions Direct adviser.

"Where else can I find information?"

Try your local public library:

• Many libraries provide access to the internet (some may charge for this).
• Some are open at weekends and after school.
• You should be able to find information about local courses, careers and local clubs and services.