SUFFOLK teenager Daniel Boxwell will be able to ride to school on a new scooter thanks to a unique partnership between Connexions Suffolk, voluntary organisations and other statutory organisations.

SUFFOLK teenager Daniel Boxwell will be able to ride to school on a new scooter thanks to a unique partnership between Connexions Suffolk, voluntary organisations and other statutory organisations.

Daniel's scooter is provided by the rural charity Suffolk ACRE, with help of a grant from Connexions, the new advice and support agency for 13 – 19 year olds.

It means he can get from where the 16-year-old lives, at the HEART Foyer in Framlingham, to Stowmarket High School to complete his exams. When he leaves school this summer he will be able to travel to Ipswich to take up a Modern Apprenticeship training in mechanics.

Daniel, said: "When I was made homeless and had to move to Framlingham I was cut off from school and all my friends. Getting the scooter has been brilliant because I can travel to see them whenever I want."

Chris Lee from Suffolk ACRE says: "Kickstart is a ground-breaking initiative tackling rural isolation and disadvantage experienced by young people living in rural Suffolk. Our funding had run out but the new Connexions grant of £10,000 means we can buy five new scooters and cover training, insurance, and providing the young people with crash helmets."

Daniel was referred to Suffolk ACRE by Connexions Suffolk personal adviser Simon Kerss, who worked alongside staff at Suffolk Social Care services, Stowmarket High School, Pupil Services and the HEART Foyer.

He sais: "This is a great example of how agencies can work together to help young people move forward and overcome barriers. Without our help Daniel might have had to drop out of school at a critical time, and he might not have had the chance of taking up his training as a mechanic."

Daniel will be presented with his new scooter tomorrow.

Young people can discuss issues about school, college, training or work with their Connexions Personal Adviser.

They can drop into Connexions offices in Ipswich, Bury or Lowestoft or telephone the Connexions Freephone 0800 085 4448 to make an appointment.