MORE than £4m will be injected into local youth services after the launch of the Connexions Service in Wiltshire.

Connexions is a new youth service providing advice, guidance, support and personal development opportunities for all 13-19 year olds. The investment programme will be completed by April 2003.

With access points in Trowbridge, Chippenham, Melksham, Salisbury, Swindon and Tidworth, it aims to help young people make a smooth transition into adult life.

Connexions brings together all the support services they will need, including careers, employment, health and social services.

Ian Cruise-Taylor, the chief executive of Connexions, said: "Our philosophy puts the young person at the heart of the service. We want to ensure that young people have a say in how services are designed and delivered.

"We can provide one point of contact for them and in doing so make sure they get the help they need when they need it.

"We have a national budget of £455m which represents the biggest investment in advice and guidance for many years."

To ensure youngsters receive the best possible help, Connexions is working with a number of agencies in the region, including Wiltshire County Council, schools, police, Lifetime Careers Wiltshire and voluntary organisations.

The new service offers young people access to a fully trained personal advisor, who can provide them with advice on a whole range of issues from exams and job applications to drugs and bullying. When needed, they can also broker specialist support through partner organisations.

The first 10 advisors in Wiltshire and Swindon have been approved and will work full-time in schools, colleges, youth clubs and community centres as well as in the increasing number of Connexions high street one-stop shops. They will also work with youth offending and drug action teams.

Mr Cruise-Taylor said: "A number of access centres are currently being developed to provide young people with a recognised focal point for accessing quality information and support.

"These centres will provide access to personal advisors and some will have access to computers and the Internet."

A Connexions website will be launched over the next few months along with the Connect Up e-card which will be given to all year 11 pupils.

Mr Cruise-Taylor said: "These provide a where, who and how of local services for young people."