§ Valerie DaveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the purpose of Connexions, with particular reference to the range of options for post 16. [127112]
§ Margaret HodgeConnexions is the Government's front line support service in England for all 13–19 year olds and those up to 25 who have learning difficulties and disabilities. It is a universal service that is differentiated according to the needs of young people. Its key purpose is to encourage more young people to continue and succeed in learning.
Connexions provides a range of advice and support to help young people make the transition from compulsory education to post 16 learning, Higher Education and employment. Depending on the individual young person's needs this could include impartial careers guidance, information and advice on health, lifestyle, housing, financial support and other personal issues and access to personal development opportunities.
§ Mr. HendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance he provides to the Connexions service on the provision of advice to young lesbians and gay men facing homophobic abuse. [127871]
§ Margaret HodgeWe intend to issue guidance to Connexions personal advisers (PAs) on how to engage effectively with young lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in the autumn.
The guidance will aim to raise awareness among Connexions PAs of the issues facing young LGB people. It will cover issues such as confidentiality, child protection, supporting a young person 'coming out', referring a young person to specialist agencies, multiple disadvantage and individual and organisational strategies to combat homophobia.