TOM Wylie’s criticism of Connexions - the Government’s new help and advice service for 13 to 19-year-olds - (TES, February 2) was disappointing.
His claim that the joining up of local services for young people is not “new” misses the point. A“one-stop shop” for help and advice isn’t new, but Connexions will be the first time it has happened. Giving more money to youth services, as Tom suggests, would hardly measure up to the coesive service that Connexions will provide.
Tom and the National Youth Agency are represented on our working groups so I am sorry he feels that Connexions is not the way forward. It does not match the enthusiasm and commitment I’ve seen from young people and youth workers in Connexions pilots and partnerships up and down the country.
Anne Weinstock Chief executive Connexions DFEE, Sanctuary Buildings, London SW1
