By Sarah Stout

Lots of people think Connexions is for certain people when it is not, it caters for every young person in England who needs it as a service. As Chair of Xchange it is my place to help to make sure Connexions offers the best service for you as young people. So young people influence a lot of what goes on behind the scenes. Why not take a look in the new Connexions centre which is in College Street across the road from the police station in St Helens?

We as young people helped design the interior, and our latest success was asking for one late night which is now a Tuesday 5 till 7pm so people in schools can access this service. It offers a wide range help from college courses and job search and other additional information. Why not visit the website www.connexionslive.com or call in the Connexions centre?

Where is Connexions in St Helens?

It across the road from the police station in College Street, it’s called the Beacon building - it’s based inside of there.

What does Connexions do?

Connexions Personal Advisers offer independent information, advice, guidance and support for all young people aged 13 to 19. I used Connexions to help me choose what subjects I wanted to do at college.

How do I get involved in with Connexions?

Well I first got involved by being employed as a peer researcher. I then become a member of Xchange and helped set up a local group which is now Forum X which I am also a member of.

The best thing to do if you would like to get involved is to join a local group first or apply to become a peer researcher. If you would like to know more about how you can get involved contact Lorraine Mason at

St Helens Connexions Centre (Tel 01744 673 066)

or E-mail lorraine.mason@connexions-gmerseyside.co.uk