Research demonstrates the impact of youth work on young people’s lives. Youth workers help young people through difficult times, signpost them to health and other services, go with them to court, and support them to find employment or housing.

Young people trust youth workers because of the relationships they have built up, on a rock climbing trip or simply over a game of pool. Youth workers meet young people on their own territory and in all youth work interventions the young person chooses to be there and to engage.

Open access means that young people are not stigmatised and can enjoy their leisure time in a safe space with their peers. For those with mental health issues, a local youth work presence can be a vital lifeline.