The impact of connexions on the lives of young people

Abstract

This research uses a qualitative methodology based on ethnographic studies in three field centres to explore the impact of the Connexions strategy on the lives of young people.  Utilising the theoretical concepts of identity and self-esteem it grounds this exploration in an understanding of young people themselves, their hopes and concerns, the aspects of their lives that are important to them, their sources of self esteem and their means of support when they experience difficulties.  The Connexions strategy is based on an assumption that young people will be supported in a holistic manner through the relationship they form with their Connexions Personal Adviser who, where necessary, will cooperate with other agencies in order to meet all the young person’s needs.  However, I argue that Connexions’ principle target, which relates to inclusion in education, employment or training, imposes a narrow agenda on practitioners which has the potential to undermine Connexions’ holistic credentials.  I maintain that a genuinely holistic approach, in addition to responding to needs, requires an understanding of young people’s perspectives on their lives, a recognition of their priorities, an acknowledgement of their existing social networks and an appreciation of the aspects of life that are important to them and which contribute to feelings of self-esteem.  Findings indicate that young people value this approach in their relationships with practitioners and that these relationships are more effectively established in environments where there are a range of practitioners affording an element of choice to the young person concerned.  The research concludes that it is the practice of individual practitioners rather than government policy that determines a holistic approach and that this is more easily achieved in situations where outcomes are not monitored by specific targets.

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