In draft copies of the delayed youth green paper, the Government proposes merging existing youth advice web sites to avoid duplication. Given the fact that it already fully funds two of the main youth information portals and partly or indirectly supports others, this move could make sound financial sense.
Check the competition
But competition can help web sites stay in touch with young people's demands. The government-funded need2know (www. need2know.co.uk), for example, is revamping this month to emulate the popular magazine style that characterises the TheSite.org - an independent portal set up by charity YouthNet.
James Kenrick, advice services development manager of Youth Access, the membership organisation for youth information, advice, counselling and support services, says: "Young people should still have access to an independent portal. Connexions Direct is fine, but how often is it going to help people appeal against government decisions?"
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