YOUNG people have praised a specialist help service in Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

"Easy to get hold of", "friendly", and "know what they are talking about", are just a few examples of the positive comments young people gave about Connexions, the local advice, guidance and personal development service for youngsters aged 13 to 19.

The comments were part of a large-scale consultation this summer.

The survey randomly sampled a total of 819 young people and asked them questions about:

n Their awareness of Connexions.

n Their usage of Connexions.

n Their views on the effectiveness of the service.

It revealed a very high level of awareness of the local service, with 92 per cent saying they had heard of the agency.

Around 87 per cent of young people asked had heard of Connexions through school and 64 per cent had talked to a member of the organisation's staff.

Young people were also very positive about the impact of the service. Ninety-seven per cent said they were satisfied with Connexions, 80 per cent said Connexions helped them to see all the options, 68 per cent felt they had been helped in deciding their future and 52 per cent said their confidence was improved.

Only 27 per cent, however, said they had been inspired to do something new.

The main aim of Connexions was to discuss job and career-related issues, education, and work-based learning.

Other issues discussed included money and benefits, alcohol and issues to do with family, friends or relationships and housing.

"We are very pleased with the feedback we have received from young people and the progress that has been made in terms of awareness raising, impact and, in particular, in young people's perceptions of Connexions staff," said Roger Little, chief executive.

"We are not resting on our laurels, however. We will be piloting Saturday opening in Worcester and Hereford, in the New Year, in response to the feedback, as well as working to promote the national telephone help-line 'Connexions Direct'.

"This went live locally, last April, and provides an additional service, available every day of the year."

For more information call freephone 0808 0013219.