Breadcrumbs
Investing in the future of the countryside - 28 October 2003
The report, produced jointly by Connexions and the Countryside Agency, launched at the Connexions Rural Mini-Forum by Rural Affairs Minister, Alun Michael, is a good practice guide aimed at practitioners responsible for delivering services for young people in rural communities. The Minister told delegates:
“Giving an adequate service to young people in any community is directly linked to the task of building the sustainability of that community as a whole. That is a fundamental point which is now beginning to be much better understood. By empowering young people through access to services we can help channel the energies of one of the most productive sectors of society in a positive direction, rather than allowing that energy to stagnate or be directed into less welcome activity. This guide will provide an important tool for those taking forward that empowerment.
“Having worked with unemployed young people and young offenders in the past, I know that many of them didn’t need to be a problem to society if only they had been given help and opportunities when they were needed. I’m proud of what has been achieved in recent years but there is still more to be done and meeting the need for young people in rural areas is one of our priorities.”
Margaret Clark said: “This guide is a celebration of the innovative work undertaken by Connexions Partnerships working in rural areas. There are imaginative and effective working practices being developed, such as One Stop Shops and moped schemes, to suit the particular needs of the area and to provide better opportunities for rural young people. The good examples demonstrated in this report will help others provide a brighter future for young people in the countryside.”
Many young people in rural areas have to overcome major hurdles to access basic services that their more urban counterparts take for granted. Previously, a lack of joined-up working between transport, education and health bodies means that quite often, young people need to rely on others to bridge this service gap. Without transport it’s near impossible for many young people to see the doctor, join a training course, meet friends or use the Internet. With health or personal matters this issue becomes more acute. This guide encourages those responsible for delivering these services to consider and find solutions to specific issues.
Anne Weinstock, Chief Executive, Connexions said: "I very much welcome publication of the report. I am sure that it will become an essential tool for practitioners in its focus on good practice amongst Connexions Partnerships in delivering services to rural communities."
Case studies include:
Tiverton Market Drop-in Centre: Connexions is collaborating with Tiverton Market Drop-in Centre to create a One Stop Shop – providing young people with information, advice and support on a wide range of issues including drugs, sexual health, housing, legal advice, counsellingand life skills.
Wheels to Work, Teesdale:This initiative between the Countryside Agency, Connexions and Groundwork West Durham, provides an affordable means of transport for a small number of young people living in rural Teesdale to enable them to get to work, or to training courses. Young people are loaned a moped and relevant equipment for six months, and contribute £2.50 per week. The project aims to benefit around 40 young people over two years.
North Dorset Homelessness Strategy Group: Homelessness is a key problem for young people in Dorset. Treads, a voluntary-sector youth advice and information centre in Blandford Forum is working with Connexions to help young people with housing needs.
For a full list of case studies please contact the press office.
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Notes to editors:
For further information and copies of the report, please contact:
Mel Capper, Countryside Agency press office on 020 7340 2909.
Louise Angel, Connexions press office on 020 8238 8568.
Beverley Parr, DEFRA press office on 020 7238 6751.
Connexions Rural Mini-Forum will discuss all issues highlighted in the report. It will be held on 28th October from 11.00 to 14.30 at the Department for Education and Skills, Caxton House, 6-12 Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NA.
Effective Practice in the Implementation of Connexions in Rural Areasis available online at www.countryside.gov.uk or can be obtained from Countryside Agency publications PO Box 125, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7EP, Tel 0870 120 6466.
The Countryside Agencyis the statutory body working to make the quality of life better for people in the countryside and the quality of the countryside better for everyone. The Countryside Agency is funded by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
Connexions provides expert and confidential advice, guidance and personal development services to all 13-19 year olds in England. Connexions Personal Advisers based in schools, colleges, youth centres and high street drop in ‘one stop shops’ give professional and confidential advice on a range of subjects from careers and education to drug abuse, homelessness and teenage pregnancy www.connexions.gov.uk
