I feel desperately frustrated at the continuing governmental cuts to youth services. On top of the end of Connexions, funding has now been axed from the brilliant AimHigher: a scheme that helped disadvantaged young people find out about top univerisities. It shut down at the end of July. Today’s Observer has a strongly-worded article about its closure and the impact on the choices of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

It makes me all the more adamant to offer my services directly to young people. This academic year, 2011-12 , is going to be one of the hardest for students and their teachers to navigate in terms of finding guidance and support for young people. I am deeply frustrated that the government is turning its back on the young people who need its support the most. But I am also excited to be able to work with them, to engage them in thinking about their future and what they need to do in order to achieve all that they can.

If you know of any schools, colleges or individuals who might benefit from my direct youth services—including mentoring, coaching, UCAS and career guidance—please send them my way!