Social exclusion can happen when people suffer from a combination of problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low wages, poor housing, living in a high crime environment, bad health and family breakdown. They may become excluded from a normal life.

One example could be someone who has had trouble getting qualifications at school, then can't get a job that pays well. Because they will only receive a low wage, they won't have the money to go out with friends and may have to live in an area that has high crime (because the house prices are low).

If they become excluded from their friends, they may start to mix with people who use drugs or commit crimes.

Despite sharing very similar backgrounds and coming from the same place, young people's experiences during youth and early adulthood differ widely. Sadly, this means that one person can become excluded and another can go on to have a successful and happy life.

There is also a strong link between young people becoming involved in regular truancy, being excluded (or excluding themselves) from school, and the likelihood that they will become involved in drug use, delinquency and crime, although such problems do not have a uniform pattern and key life events and encounters with particular people (e.g. teachers, personal advisers, probation officers) can have a significant positive effect.

Do you feel excluded by your family or friends, or that life has been cruel to you?

Call the Samaritans now on 08457 90 90 90
or click on their website - see below.

You can talk to Childline on 0800 1111, a free 24-hour helpline for children and young people.

You can also speak confidentially to one of Connexions personal advisers by phoning our free phone number: 0800 435 709