I've left school/college and I'm stuck!

“I want to talk to someone about my options!”

On this page you can find:

• Youth Support Services (16-18)
• Job Centre Plus and Universal Credit
• Extra support
• What are my options?

If you are looking for help on another issue you will find useful links in our 'Ask an Expert' quick links directory.

Get help from your local Youth Support Services (16-18)

If you are aged 16-18 and want support to help to tackle issues and help you aim for work, training and education then get in touch today!

We have Young Person’s Coaches and Young Person’s Workers who are here to help you.

Pick your nearest locality from the list below then you can call or email and ask to speak to a young person’s worker:

• Lowestoft & Waveney – 01502 674747 or email the relevant office  South Lowestoft, North Lowestoft, Waveney and Blyth

• Ipswich North & East – 01473 263295 or email Ipswich North and East  (Gainsborough, Bixley, Holywells, Nacton & Purdis Farm, Rushmere, Priory Heath, Westgate)

• Ipswich South & West – 01473 263391 or email the relevant office Ipswich South, Ipswich West (Gipping, Pinewood, Sprites, Stoke Park, Bramford & Great Blakenham, Castle Hill, Claydon & Barham, Grundisburgh, Whitehouse & Whitton)

• Coastal – 01394 605060 or email the relevant office  Coastal North, Coastal South (Woodbridge, Kesgrave, Framlingham, Leiston, Felixstowe)

• Central – 01449 745155 or email Central Suffolk (Stowmarket – based at The Mix)

• South Suffolk – 01787 315900 or email South Suffolk (Caple, Hadleigh, Lavenham, Long Melford)
  
• West Suffolk – 01284 758610 or email the relevant office Haverhill, Bury St Edmunds, Forest Heath

If you have any problems contacting one of the above, email the Participation Tracking Team:    CYPPTTFollowUpSupport@suffolk.gov.uk or contact your local Family Support team – Suffolk County Council

Please see the attached leaflet for other careers support information and opportunities.

Remember, you need to stay in education until you are 18, read more about Raising the participation age and your options.

Get support from Job Centre Plus

Extra support

Information about extra support available:

• Get careers advice
• I have additional needs
• I am in care or leaving care

“What are my options?”

We have got loads of information on our website about your options, here are some ideas before you explore the ‘Your Future’ section further.

Have you considered gaining work experience by volunteering?

Did you know...volunteers have a 27% better chance of finding a job after being out of work than non-volunteers. 

You'll also gain new skills, meet new people and gain invaluable experience.