Website of the Department of Health

Connexions is a new support service for all young people aged 13-19 in England. It aims to help young people plan their move into adult life. Connexions provides advice and guidance on many things, including careers, learning,worries about bullying, alcohol, drugs etc.

Connexions provides specific support to young people with learning difficulties and disabilities.A Connexions personal adviser is available to give one-to-one support, meaning that young people get the support they need, where and when they need it. Personal advisers will work with young people's other key workers to provide the best possible support.

For young people with learning difficulties and disabilities, Connexions can give support, if needed, until their 25th birthday.

Connexions Service National Unit, Department for Education and Skills, Moorfoot, Sheffield S1 4PQ.
Website: www.connexions.gov.uk. The website gives details of local Connexions services.

Connexions Direct
An integral part of delivery of the Connexions Service is Connexions Direct, telephone and web-based support for young people, available from 8am to 2am, 365 days a year. Young people can access Connexions Direct support by text, email, telephone and webchat. National roll out of Connexions Direct is under way and planned to be completed by April 2004.
Connexions Direct Tel: 0808 0013219;Text: 0776 6413219;
Website: www.connexions-direct.com.

Claimant advisers at Social Security offices, Jobcentres or Jobcentre Plus can give you help and advice on payment of state benefits after you start full-time or part-time work.

AbilityNet (combining the resources of the Computability Centre and the Foundation for Communication for the Disabled) provides an information and advice service on computing for disabled people, including computing at work, individual assessments, open days, training and consultancy and free introductory sessions.An assessment service is available for individuals and companies and a wide range of free information is available.
Tel: (01926) 312847;
National Freephone: 0800 269545;
Website: www.abilitynet.org.uk.

Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities aims, through training, preparation and guidance, to assist disabled jobseekers in securing open employment matched to their talents and aspirations. It encourages employers to recognise ability and potential. Free information and leaflets are available. For the address of the nearest regional office,
Tel: (020) 7481 2727 (Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00);
Website: www.opportunities.org.uk.

The Prince's Trust assists unemployed people or under-employed people aged 18+ to set up in business. It provides financial support in the form of loans or possibly grants, ongoing business advice through a personal Business Mentor and help with PR and marketing opportunities.All applicants must have a viable business idea and, most importantly, have the determination to succeed in business. Helping young disabled people is a key priority. There are 12 area offices in England,Wales and Northern Ireland.
Tel: (020) 7543 1234;
Helpline: 0800 842842 (Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00);
Website: www.princes-trust.org.uk.

Rathbone Training specialises in the design and delivery of award-winning training for young people with special educational or training needs, to help them overcome difficulties in gaining access to training and jobs. Free leaflets are available in several languages.
Tel: (0161) 236 5358;
Education advice line: 0800 9176790 (Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00);
Website: www.rathbonetraining.co.uk.

Richmond Fellowship offers care and rehabilitation for people with mental health problems in England and Wales through homes, day centres, training and work schemes.
Tel: (020) 7007 3300;
Website: www.richmondfellowship.org.uk.

RNIB Education and Employment Services aim to help people find, keep or progress in suitable jobs and also to raise awareness among employers about the contribution people with sight problems can make.The service can offer advice and support to jobseekers or those in work who are faced with sight loss or deterioration of an existing condition. Furthermore, they can advise jobseekers on education options, training, technology and self-employment.
Tel: 0845 7669999 (Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00) and you will be put in touch with your RNIB regional team.
Website: www.rnib.org.uk.

Royal Mencap Society has a number of Pathway schemes around the country to help integrate people with learning disabilities into normal working life.They work out individual programmes for each trainee in consultation with the local DEA.
Tel: (020) 7454 0454 (Mon-Fri 9.00-17.30);
Website: www.mencap.org.uk.

SCOPE provides a wide range of support and education services for disabled people, including people with cerebral palsy.
Tel: 0808 8003333 (Mon-Fri 9.00-21.00, Sat 14.00-18.00);
Website: www.scope.org.uk.

Shaw Trust is a national charity that provides training and work opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market through disability, ill-health or other social circumstances. It has a network of over 500 staff and 100 projects across England, Wales and Scotland and works with over 10,000 people each year.
Tel: (01225) 716350 (Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00);
Website: www.shaw-trust.org.uk.

Reference point: A free list of publications is available from RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation).
Tel: (020) 7250 3222;
Website: www.radar.org.uk.