RESEARCH projects have been given an extra £50,000 to give young people across North Yorkshire a voice.

An innovative service was recently set up to identify new ways of working with 13 to 19-year olds across the county, to raise their aspirations, listen to their needs and improve their prospects.

The Connexions service is a Government initiative offering advice, support and guidance nationwide. The board has agreed an additional £50,000 for projects across North Yorkshire.

The extra funding will benefit ten action research projects, many of which are already established and operating in places such as Hambleton, Richmondshire and Scarborough.

The Connexions programme aims to involve as many different agencies, organisations and groups as possible to best tackle the needs of young people.

Julie Longworth, Connexions' manager for North Yorkshire, said: "It's all about partnerships - representation from all agencies to provide support for these youngsters.

"The police, youth workers, health and social services representatives, voluntary organisations and schools are all involved. We pool resources and use them more effectively to get better outcomes for young people.

"It's a universal service available to everybody, but we principally work with underrepresented people. These tend to be those out of education or employment, the homeless, single parents and those at risk of offending."

One of the research projects focuses on disabled youngsters across Hambleton and looks at ways to utilise services and involve them in more activities.

"We want young people to have a voice, to be at the heart of our service, and often those with disabilities can be overlooked."

Across Richmondshire, Connexions' representatives are talking to teenagers excluded from school to learn about their experiences. They hope to establish trends in behavioural problems and look at possible solutions.

The service has also engaged North Yorkshire police to help tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour in schools. They deliver a programme to students to warn them of the wider consequences of offending.

Mrs Longworth added: "I'm very passionate about the service we provide and I believe in the work we are doing, we shouldn't let young people fall through the net."