A project designed by a Warwickshire careers service to help young people at risk of social exclusion and underachievement, is to be used as a national example to accelerate improvements across the industry. 

The Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People's Services (C4EO) are publishing a report on Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Partnership (CSWP) Connexions' Project in Rugby, as a blueprint for good practice. 

C4EO is funded by The Department of Education (DCSF) and aims to radically transform the level of service and support children, young people and their families receive, by promoting and celebrating successful cases. 

CSWP Connexions' long-term project helps young people in the area - some of whom who are involved in gang culture - overcome barriers preventing them from realising their potential. 

The project has been supported by the Youth Justice Service, Community Education and the Borough Council and they have played a key role in the initiative's success. 

Since June 2009, the project has worked with 27 young people who attend voluntarily and personal adviser Cec Whittlesea has been delighted with the results. 

She said: "For these young people, finding a route into appropriate education or employment is a real challenge. 

"This is why projects such as these are important and it is so rewarding when they achieve their goals. 

"We find new and innovative methods of motivation through ongoing evaluation and subsequent development, of the activities and the support we offer, based on detailed feedback from the young people themselves. 

"One such process we have found to be successful is having peer mentors deliver parts of the programme. 

"The fact that our project will be used to help young people in similar situations across the country is not only great news for us but it is a good way to promote good practice and ultimately will benefit those who need such support."