Youth Access

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Our History

Championing YIACS for over 30 years

Since 1975, Youth Access (and our predecessor, NAYPCAS, the National Association of Young People's Counselling and Advisory Services) has championed the expansion of a national network of youth information, advice, counselling and support services (YIACS).

Holistic responses: under one roof

For more than thirty years there has existed a network of agencies across England seeking to provide holistic responses to young people’s social, emotional and mental health needs through a range of services provided "under one roof".

Bridging the gaps to meet young people's needs

YIACS grew out of a need to bridge both the gaps and sometimes failings of statutory and adult-oriented voluntary services in meeting the needs of young people. YIACS offer early intervention and prevention responses to a wide range of young people through a variety of service models. Newer services have opened to join pioneering YIACS that have been in existence for 10 to 25 years plus.

Development of YIACS provision: some key dates

1960s   The first YIACS type services start opening

1970s   A number of Government Reports call for the provision of separate young people’s information, advice and counselling services.

1989-1992   The "Core Curriculum for the Youth Service" initiative is introduced

1998 The Youth Service Audit notes "a marked growth" in provision of YIACS type services.

2001   Youth Access’s ‘Breaking Down the Barriers' Project (BDBP) identified 360 YIACS across England. 

Sources of support

While the early support of local authority Youth Services has been significant to the development of YIACS in some localities, other funders have also provided significant support. This includes the Big Lottery Fund and charitable trusts and there are also signs that health sector funding via CAMHS, adult-mental health and PCTs is also slowly increasing.

The IAG agenda

The current policy context, which includes a greater focus on Information, Advice and Guidance services for young people and improved targeted support arrangements, will hopefully further secure YIACS as part of the overall pattern of provision available to young people.

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