3 June 2005

A key online directory, developed by Connect Internet Solutions, has been launched by Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council in response to the government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ green paper.

The online portal, www.solutionfinder.org.uk, draws together crucial information from a variety of sources, aimed at making it easier for children, parents and carers to access help and advice at the click of a button. From bullying to basketball, counselling to computer classes, play groups to parenting, schools to skills and training – it’s all there.

Solution Finder has been developed in partnership with the local authorities, NHS, voluntary sector and other partners in Gateshead and Newcastle. It is one of a number of initiatives being developed by public and voluntary sector partnerships aimed at ‘joining up’ services to make sure children are not ‘lost’ in the complex educational and childcare system, and they are given the best opportunities to fulfil their potential.

Essential to the effective provision of round-the-clock access to high quality, comprehensive information is the ability to keep the content on Solution Finder fresh and up-to-date. Carole Boardman, Director (Public Sector) at Connect Internet Solutions, comments, "The innovative underpinning database-driven system developed by Connect offers a selection of content update options (from XML data feed to online form completion) to allow a range of organisations, from the very large such as local authorities to small service providers such as local junior football clubs, to submit details of the services they provide using the most appropriate option for them.

"In addition, the portal itself is content managed using Connect’s content management system, ConnectCMS. This approach ensures that the non- technical professionals and young people responsible for the site are able to edit content at the touch of the button, after receiving only minimal training."

Dawn Bowman, a 23 year old youth worker, said,"I think Solution Finder is a really useful resource for young people and parents and when I heard about it through my manager I really wanted to get involved. I think it will be much easier for people to find out about what’s happening and where, and to access lots of information in one place.

"I’m not really technologically minded, but I can use a computer, and the training we were given to update the website was pretty straightforward – it only took about 45 minutes, and I think most people could get to grips with it."

Paul Brady, IT Manager, Passport to Services (ISA) Project, who has been leading the Solution Finder project on behalf of the councils said,"Solution Finder is quick, easy to use and offers the choice of lots of services to young people and families in Gateshead and Newcastle. It also gives service providers the tools to add and edit service information so it will become an even more useful tool over time."