§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements have been put in place for New Deal participants to raise individual and collective problems they are facing. [25628]
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§ Mr. Andrew SmithEach young person, entering the Gateway period of the New Deal for 18 to 24 year olds, will have a personal adviser designated to them. The personal adviser will support the young person throughout their time on New Deal, identifying their individual needs and referring them to organisations that can help resolve any particular problems that they have. When the young person is on one of the options, the employer or training provider will also ensure that additional personal support is given by a tutor, supervisor or other colleague. Some young people may also choose to take advantage of the mentoring support that will be available. If individual participants wish to raise problems confidentially, they can call a free "hotline" number, 0800 16 33 39, and ask their concerns to be investigated. National and local focus groups will also periodically canvass the views of young people who have participated in New Deal.