YSS has been making it happen since 1986

YSS measures impact to:

  • Know what has changed as a result of our involvement and to understand the extent and intensity of the change
  • Be able to  benchmark and make comparisons
  • Understand what works and what doesn’t work - learn and make improvements 
  • Test assumptions
  • Evidence of value for money
  • Be accountable

We have developed bespoke management information systems to help us to effectively capture the work taking place and the impact it has, to show the difference we are making to people’s lives. We are able to produce comprehensive reports that not only give reassurance to those who fund our work around the quality and impact of the work delivered, but allow us to continuously improve and develop our services in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for those we support.

Feedback from those we work with is vital in this process. This is obtained in a number of ways – both formally and informally - and used to drive improvements in services.

Headline Achievements 2017/2018

  • Over 12,250 positive outcomes achieved
  • 2,000 people supported by YSS
  • 191 appropriate adult interventions
  • 41 new volunteers recruited
  • 451 young carers supported in Worcestershire

"I wouldn't be where I am today without your help"

ARC (Accessing Resources in the Community) is a service delivered by YSS to support 16-24 year olds who are in, or at risk of being involved in, the criminal justice system across West Mercia.

Recently we were delighted to receive an email from a service user who received support from ARC last year. Referred to the service due to feelings of isolation and anxiety, which often left her unable to leave her home, the service user was supported back into education by her keyworkers, whilst gaining both confidence and independence.

She told us: “I wanted to let you know that I am still in county training and am due to start a work placement soon. I just wanted to thank you because I really believe I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for your help. I was just at Sainsburys today… I went to the ATM and went into the shop on my own, and for the first time it felt normal to me.

“A lot of things feel normal to me now that wouldn’t have this time last year and it really made me think about a lot… about how your help really did mean a lot to me. I have a long way to go but I am actually getting somewhere and I just wanted to thank you.”

Services like this are vital in supporting young people and adults to break down barriers, make better choices and have better lives. To find out more about ARC or what you can do to support YSS to reach more people who need our help, please click here.

Case study

YSS received a meet and mentor referral for D at the beginning of December 2017, he was due to be released on 29 December 2017.  YSS met D in HMP Hewell to establish what support was required on his release.  D suffers with anxiety, had no benefits in place and needed support registering with the local substance misuse agency

YSS collected D from HMP Hewell on Friday 29 December. D had arranged for his own accommodation and planned to live on a friend’s farm. On his day of release D met with the Duty Officer at the CRC and was told accommodation had been sourced for him in Shropshire at a property managed by a local community chaplaincy. D turned down this offer as he wanted to return to his local area.

On New Year’s Day the YSS allocated out of hours on call officer received a call from D at midday who stated he was being kicked out of his accommodation, as his friend’s girlfriend didn’t want him there ‘because he was a criminal’. D became involved in an argument with both his friend and his friend’s girlfriend, resulting in him being asked to leave the property straight away. The YSS on call officer was very worried about D’s mental state, he was very low and teary when speaking to the on call officer over the phone, had nowhere to go, had no money and no transport. Due to the rural location of where he was staying and the freezing temperatures the YSS on call officer was very worried about D’s safety, he had absolutely nowhere to stay and no one to turn to.

The YSS on call officer attempted to contact housing providers who offer emergency accommodation. However, as it was New Year’s Day it was difficult to get hold of anyone. The on call officer eventually managed to speak to an employee from a Shrewsbury based community chaplaincy, who confirmed the room at their property already ear marked for D was still available. The employee contacted a resident who said they would be in the property and would be happy to let D in if he could get to Shrewsbury. As it was New Year’s Day and no buses were running D had no way of getting to Shrewsbury. He said he would walk if he had to but as it was over 20 miles away, this was not an option, so the YSS on call officer agreed to collect him and transport him to the house. On the way to collect D the on call officer picked up bread, milk, cheese and butter so he had something to eat. When the on call officer collected D it was clear that he had been drinking. D stated he was really low and anxious as he didn’t know where he was going to stay tonight and had a few drinks; the on call officer risk assessed the situation and felt that D was safe to transport.

The YSS on call officer dropped D off at the property. He seemed happy with the house and was welcomed by the resident.  The on call officer stayed with D for a couple of hours to ensure he was settled and happy in his new property. The officer also arranged to meet with D the following day, as it was paramount that D registered with a local GP, whilst supporting him to set up his benefits.  In total the YSS out of hours on call officer spent four hours (including travel time) out with D on New Year’s Day as well as two hours spent making calls. As of 23 Jan 2018 YSS continues to work with D.

Please click here to read testimonials and click here to read further case studies.