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Youth Access spells out the case for YIACS

07 December, 2010

Youth Access today publishes a comprehensive, survey of the evidence of the effectiveness, value and outcomes of young people’s information, advice, counselling and support services (YIACS) showing conclusively that they can ease the strain on young people and on service commissioners.

The report, A proven early intervention model – the evidence for Youth Information Advice Counselling and Support services (YIACS), draws on evidence from a wide range of Government and independent reports and research; Youth Access own research; outcomes evidence from YIACS; and the testimonies of young people themselves. It demonstrates not only that YIACS are popular with and well-accessed by young people; provide outstanding outcomes; and give undeniable value for money for commissioners across a range of policy areas – but it also sets out clearly the reasons why this is so and the evidence behind it.

The result is a compelling argument for investment in YIACS services as a fundamental part of strategies for:

Improving mental health and emotional health
Improving physical and sexual health
Building well-being and resilience
Reducing ‘NEETs’
Tackling youth poverty and improving financial capability
Providing better housing situations
Reducing crime
Strengthening relationships, families and communities

The report also points to emerging evidence which suggests that YIACS interventions can provide significant financial savings as well as better outcomes for large numbers of people when compared with those from, for example, statutory CAMHS services.

Amongst the YIACS profiled in the report is Streetwise, an open access service in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, used each year by over 6,500 young people aged between 11 and 25. A local GP set out exactly why he values a YIACS service in his catchment area when he told Youth Access "Streetwise is a clear example of the kind of local services our GPs wish to see. It is friendly, expert, free of bureaucracy and highly accessible. The whole approach is based unashamedly on the practical needs of young people rather than a model of support that only a handful of professionals can understand. Young people can face so many challenges nowadays and, without support, these can escalate to become awful problems. It is good to know that Streetwise is there for when young people need help." Dr Guy Pilkington, GP, Newcastle- Upon- Tyne.

Download ‘Easing the Strain’, the summary report
Download the full report