An Introduction to YSS: Who We Help and Why Our Work Matters

Who We Are 

YSS is a community support charity working across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Warwickshire. We work with young carers, veterans and their families, women facing life challenges, and young people and adults involved in the criminal justice system.

Our work focuses on providing practical and emotional support tailored to each person’s circumstances. Depending on their needs, this can include:

• One-to-one support: to help people work through challenges and plan their next steps.
• Emotional wellbeing support: to build confidence and manage difficult experiences.
• Family and community support: to strengthen relationships and reduce isolation.
• Guidance and advocacy: to help people access services and make informed decisions.

We work alongside each person at their own pace, listening to what matters to them and respecting the choices they make. We also work closely with families and other organisations to help people access more joined-up support that reflects their individual circumstances.

Who Does YSS Support? 

YSS works with people of different ages and backgrounds, from young carers balancing family responsibilities to adults facing challenges with their wellbeing, relationships or involvement in the criminal justice system.

Worcestershire Young Carers

We support children and young adults who help care for a family member. Caring responsibilities can affect school, friendships and wellbeing, so we offer guidance, activities and opportunities to take a break from their caring roles.

Find out more about Worcestershire Young Carers.

Veterans and Their Families

We support veterans involved in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system, alongside their families. We help them access services, navigate changes in their lives and take practical steps towards greater stability at their own pace.

Find out more about our support for veterans.

Support for Women

Through our Chrysalis service, we support women facing financial difficulties, isolation, inequality and other challenges. We offer a safe space to talk openly, build practical skills and find ways forward that work for them.

Find out more about Chrysalis for Women.

Young People and Adults in the Criminal Justice System

We support young people and adults involved in the criminal justice system, helping them manage challenges with housing, relationships and wellbeing. We listen to their individual needs and help them explore their options and work towards goals that matter to them.

Explore our criminal justice support services.

Families Affected by the Criminal Justice System

Through Every Step Together, we support families with children under 18 affected by the criminal justice system across Worcestershire and Herefordshire. We offer practical and emotional support, helping families cope with difficult changes, feel less alone and navigate the journey from arrest through to prison release.

Find out more about Every Step Together.

What We Stand For 

Care, respect and understanding guide how we work with people. Our approach also recognises their right to make choices about their own future. These beliefs are at the heart of our Theory of Change, which sets out our vision, mission and the difference we want to make for the people we support.

Our Vision for the Future

We want a society where everyone has the confidence, support and freedom to make informed choices about their future. This means having opportunities to build relationships, develop independence and make decisions that reflect their own needs and goals. 

Our Mission and Purpose

Our mission is to walk alongside people involved in the justice and care systems, helping them find purpose and greater stability. We want to change how people are supported, moving away from crisis-led responses towards care, trust and understanding.

How We Make a Difference

We help people make practical changes in their lives, from managing difficult situations to building stronger relationships and making decisions about their future. We use feedback from the people we support and our experience of working directly with them to identify barriers, challenge existing practices and work with other organisations to improve how services respond to people’s needs.

The Difference Support Can Make

At YSS, we know that progress looks different for everyone. For some, it means feeling more confident in everyday situations, while for others, it’s about building stronger relationships or learning to manage difficult experiences. Our focus is on understanding what each person needs and helping them take steps towards a more positive, independent future.

A Young Carer’s Story

One 15-year-old young carer from Redditch was finding it difficult to balance caring for her mum and sister with school, friendships and her own wellbeing. Through Worcestershire Young Carers, she began meeting regularly with a keyworker who gave her space to talk openly, understand her feelings and find ways to manage challenges at home.

Over time, she became more confident in expressing herself, developed new friendships and began approaching school with greater confidence. Her keyworker also helped arrange regular check-ins with a trusted adult at school, giving her someone to turn to during the school day. 

Although she still faces challenges, she is now looking ahead and setting goals that matter to her. Her progress reflects our Theory of Change, which focuses on building trusting relationships, respecting individual choices and helping people shape their own future at their own pace.

Find Out More About YSS

Want to learn more about YSS? Explore our website to find out about the support we offer, the people we work with and how we can help you or someone you know. Contact our friendly team directly to speak to the people who know our charity best.