There are a number of services available in the Wakefield district specifically for young people. Young people are usually defined as being aged between 13 and 19 years old.

Within Wakefield Council there is the recently formed Youth Development and Support Service (YDSS) which was officially launched by Ed Balls, Secretary of State for the Department of Children, Schools and Families on 13 February 2009. The YDSS offers a new approach to providing youth services across Wakefield with an emphasis on early intervention, prevention, access to positive activities and partnership working. The main aim of YDSS is to offer young people opportunities to gain the skills, knowledge and attitudes which will enable them to take more control over their own lives, to effect change for themselves and to fulfil their individual potential.

The YDSS is responsible for Young People's Centres which offer a wide range of activities which are fun and give young people the opportunity to participate in their own space. These activities include having fun with others and the chance to take part in planned programmes, trips and visits. For a list of Youth Centres see Related Links.

Another service for young people is Connexions which is a service for all 13-19 year olds (up to 25 for those with special needs) offering information, advice, guidance and support on careers, finance, health, housing and youth work services. It provides all young people with easy access to services in order for them to become successful adults and citizens. There are 3 offices, Castleford, Pontefract and Wakefield, see Related Links for contact details.

A useful source of information for young people is Youthfax (see Related Links.). Youthfax was written specifically for young people and covers such topics as:-

• you and your rights,
• health and relationships,
• leisure and community,
• housing and homelessness,
• money and benefits,
• education,
• training and employment,
• and there is a list of useful addresses and websites

Also there is the charity National Youth Agency who work in partnership with a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations to support and improve services for young people. Their particular focus is on youth work and they believe strongly that by investing in young people’s personal and social development, young people are better able to live more active and fulfilling lives.

Working with young people, they advocate for more youth-friendly services and policies. They have four themes, which are:-

• Developing quality standards in work with young people
• Supporting services for young people
• Developing the youth workforce
• Promoting positive public perceptions of young people

Law Stuff is a website full of information about your legal rights.

It was created by the Children's Legal Centre, which is a charity that  promotes children's rights and gives legal advice and representation to children and young people.

Go to 'The Facts' to find information on lots of topics that affect your life, such as education, health care and working.