Connexions is another excellent service from Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.Information correct at time of going to press. We cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes. For multiple copies contact the Connexions Support Centre on 01702 420290. Published April 2008.

You can call in to your local centre for further information, advice or guidance or to take part in clubs and activities. We’re open every weekday afternoon and most evenings.

For details of weekend opening it’s best to call ahead and check.

Connexions in Southend WestCall: 01702 478426Leigh Youth Centre, Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1SP

Connexions in Southend CentralCall: 01702 464315Focus Youth Centre, Short Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 5BY

Connexions in Southend EastCall: 01702 293780Shoeburyness Youth Centre, Delaware Road, Shoeburyness, SS3 9NS

We also have centres in:

Cluny Square Call: 01702 4639271-3 Cluny Square, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4AF

Stornoway Road Call: 01702 601134173 Stornoway Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4NJ

You can email any of our centres at connexions@southend.gov.uk. If you require this information in another format then please email or call us and we will be pleased to help you. Connexions Direct offers advice on education, careers, housing, money, health and relationships for 13-19 year olds in the UK. Includes web chat, telephone and call-back.

Call: 0808 001 3219 Text: 07766 413219 Web: www.connexions-direct.com

applying for deferred entry to university

• If you plan to take a gap year you should consider applying for deferred entry, which you can indicate on your UCAS application.

• Check with course admissions tutors direct if they will accept a gap year prior to applying.

• When applying for deferred entry, details of your proposed gap year in your personal statement will support your application.

where to find out moreWebsites

www.gapyear.com - gap year projects.

www.gap.org.uk - Gap Activity Projects.

www.yearoutgroup.org - how to choose and plan the gap year that best suits your needs and aspirations.

www.campamerica.co.uk - opportunities at summer camps in the USA.

www.world-challenge.co.uk - leadership, teamwork and personal development training for young people.

www.projecttrust.org.uk - voluntary work opportunities in 24 developing countries.

www.yini.org.uk - The Year in Industry offer paid, degree relevant work placements

www.raleigh.org.uk - Raleigh International, a youth development charity.

www.trekforce.org.uk - conservation expeditions, teaching placements and language courses.

www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk - promoting engineering careers, mainly through residential courses.

www.quest-overseas.co.uk - conservation and community based projects and expeditions.

www.bunac.org - includes a summer camp counselling programme in the USA.

where to find out morewww.aventure.co.uk - Africa & Asia Venture.www.csv.org.uk - Community Service Volunteers are the UK’s largest volunteering and training organisation.www.teaching-abroad.co.uk - provider of volunteer placements across five continents.www.universityoptions.co.uk - extensive list of gap year organisations.www.gapsports.com - sports coaching and summer camps.www.sportventurer.com - coaching and sports development projects.

Books• The gap year guidebook (Peridot Press)• Taking a gap year (Vacation Work)• A year off…a year on (Lifetime Careers)• Work your way around the world (Vacation Work)• Teaching English abroad (Vacation Work)• International voluntary work (Vacation Work)• Green volunteers (Vacation Work)• World volunteers (Vacation Work)

Connexions is the ‘one-stop’ service for all young people in Southend. We have Personal Advisers who can support you with important life choices and Youth Workers who organise youth groups and activities across the town.

We can help you with funding to set up your own activities and put you in touch with a whole range of useful organisations.

We can help you learn new skills and meet new people. We can help you have a say in how your town is being run through the Southend Youth Council.