There may be a time when your son or daughter will need some extra support to cope with an upsetting situation, or help to make a positive change in their life. This is where the Youth Support Service can step in, to help young people aged 11 – 19 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs) make the right decision for them.
What does this mean for my child?
We encourage young people to feel positive about learning and other aspects of their life, by helping them to think about what they want to do and how they can achieve it. Youth support workers are on hand to work with families and others in the local community to provide the best opportunities for your child.
Young people have outlined what they expect services across the county to deliver, this is explained in the Youth Offer.
Where can my son or daughter find out more?
The Source website: young people can find a wide range of information on topics like education options, health, preparing for exams, local job vacancies, building a CV, careers, young people's activities, volunteering and apprenticeships on The Source website, which has been designed for young people aged 11 - 19 in Suffolk.
The Future4me website: for information about post-16 courses, training and qualifications for young people take a look at Future4me which is the local area prospectus for Suffolk. The local area prospectus is an easy way to research what's available at schools, sixth forms, sixth form colleges, FE colleges and training providers across the county.
Family Services Directory: provides information about activities, youth projects, sports clubs, youth clubs, music, arts and much, much more across Suffolk.
Plotr website: new careers platform for 11 - 24 years old brings together articles, videos and advice from across careers specialists, business and industry to help people plan their future careers. Also includes the option to search for volunteering, work experience and job opportunities in your local area.
Supporting the delivery of the Youth Contract
County Council youth support workers are working with partners to provide young people with access to extra support as part of the new Youth Contract, delivered in Suffolk by TCHC.
If you know of a young person aged 16 - 17 who didn't manage to get GSCE exams at grades A* - C grades; is currently in care, or experienced care; has additional needs, or has been involved with the youth justice system, they could be entitled to one-to-one help from a dedicated support worker. TCHC will work with the young person to sort out the issues that are stopping them from achieving that next step into a course at FE college, an apprenticeship or a job with training.
For more information about the Youth Contract, visit the My Gen Next website - www.mgn.tchc.net or telephone: 01923 698430. You can also follow My Gen Next on Facebook and Twitter @tchc_mgn
Need to talk to someone?
Youth support workers are part of integrated children and young people's services. You can request help or information in the following ways:
- Make an appointment or drop in at 'access points’ around the county - address details and opening times are available on The Source website.
- Call freephone 0800 085 4448 (free from a landline).
For questions or queries about jobs, careers, learning or training you can also contact the National Careers Service by phone, email, webchat and text. Advisers are available between 8am and 10pm, seven days a week.
- Contact the National Careers Service
