YPAS offers a range of support and therapeutic services for children aged 5 -15 years, young people aged 16-25 years and families in Liverpool.
Established in 1966; YPAS is a charity that supports children, young people and families to address their mental health and emotional well-being difficulties.
The delivery of our citywide services includes: primary schools, secondary schools and across 3 community hubs.
Our mission is to improve the mental health and emotional well-being needs of children, young people and families in a non-stigmatized environment, that allows us to:
YPAS is of a diverse community where children, young people and families feel:
• Safe
• Valued
• Respected
• Included
• Motivated
We will listen, support and empower them to achieve this by providing high quality information, advice, guidance and therapeutic services.
The Young Persons Advisory Service (YPAS) is a diverse community of staff, children, young people, parent/carers and families. YPAS welcomes all views and feedback from the communities it serves. YPAS is committed to providing and promoting equality and opportunities that allows everyone to be involved in shaping our services. By accessing our website you’ve joined the YPAS community and on the website you’ll find our Comments, Compliments & Complaints (CCC) form, which we would encourage you to share your thoughts about YPAS services and social media content.
Established in 1966, YPAS has been delivering counselling services in the City for over 50 years. From 1 counsellor working out of a small office, we now have a team of professionals working across 3 locality hubs in Liverpool, delivering a range of counselling, therapy and support services to Liverpool’s children, young people and families.
In 2016, YPAS celebrated its 50th year of providing mental health services to Liverpool’s children, young people and families.
YPAS embedded Wellbeing clinics in all Liverpool secondary schools
CAMHS providers delivering services from the 3 Community YPAS Plus Hubs
YPAS embedded therapeutic services in all Liverpool primary schools (Seedlings Project) alongside PSS
YPAS opened two additional community hubs in the North and South of the city
YPAS celebrates its 50th year of providing mental health services to Liverpool’s children, young people and families
Development of YPAS’s 2015 -2020 strategic business plan and operational delivery plan
YPAS involved in the strategic development of the CAMHS transformation plans including CAMHS locality hubs & the Youth Mental Health Model
Increased local provision – Looked After Children in Education (LACES) DfE funding secured with national 3rd sector partners
Age broadened to 5–25 years. YPAS transgender project funded by Clinical Commissioning Group (CAMHS). Funding confirmed (CAMHS) IAG provision & (LCCG) GP Champs
YPAS involved in the national CYP IAPT programme. IAG services funded by CAMHS. National GP Champs pilot launched with Brownlow Health Practice
Introduction and consultation and shaping of future outcome measures relevant for both Liverpool’s voluntary and statutory sectors
Strategic involvement with specialist CAMHS to address the redesign of Liverpool’s targeted & specialist EMWB provision (Emotional, Mental Health and Well-Being
Increased provision of specialist LGBT services to address the younger age group (13 – 16 years)
Increased partnerships with Schools, Colleges, Training Providers, Addiction, Children & Young People services including Connexions and Youth Offending Service
Development of policies and delivery in accordance with the Every Child Matters and Youth Matters Frameworks
CAMHS partnership is formed (YPAS, MYA, Alder Hey, ADHD Foundation, Spinning World (PSS) and Barnardos
Featured on BBC Radio 5 Live, Granada Tonight, BBC Radio Merseyside, GMTV & Radio City as YPAS celebrates 40th year of working with children & young people
2nd floor renovated into a counselling suite. Development of Self-Injury DVD made by young people: premiered at the 39th AGM held at the Adelphi Hotel
Utilizes additional building floors to accommodate the CAMHS funded staff and services. Achieves ISO9001 kite mark in recognition of the quality of services
CAMHS strategy finalised and subsequent recruitment takes place. YPAS takes over the management of GYRO (Gay Youth ‘r’ Out)
YPAS extends the age of the young people it supports from 16-25 to 10-25 years
YPAS identified as the main third sector CAMHS delivery partner and begins negotiations for new service developments
CAMHS review results: non-stigmatised services, 3rd sector involvement, governance structures, quality assurance systems, policies & protocols
A review of CAMHS services is carried out in Liverpool, to identify a broader range of disciplines to address the mental health needs of children, young people
Further successful funding to address engagement with hard to reach groups e.g. homeless and drugs and alcohol.
YPAS expands and develops into a progressive organisation. Central to this growth is the person-centred approach at the heart of all service delivery.
The next few years proves to be extremely busy for YPAS whilst it’s striving to address the high demand of citywide referrals.
In addition to funding from the John Moores Foundation, the building (36 Bolton Street) is bequeathed to YPAS by John Moores
Funding from Comic Relief, Children in Need, Local Authority, DAT & additional grants facilitated further services, (a drop-in, advice, & counselling services)
Successful National Lottery capital funding, the ground floor is converted into a suitable space to broaden the delivery of YPAS’s services
YPAS moves into permanent accommodation (2nd floor of 36 Bolton Street), due to high demand of services, additional need for further building space is noted
YPAS temporarily relocates to the L8 Law Centre on Princes Road.
YPAS becomes a company limited by guarantee.
YPAS gains independent charity status.
Young people gain representation on the YPAS Management Committee.
As part of a service overhaul, the Kirkdale project is taken over by Liverpool Youth Service’s Youth Line.
After five years of successful delivery the Netherley and Speke services close after funding is withdrawn.
YPAS develops additional counselling services in Netherley, Speke, Kirkdale and a drop-in support service in ‘The Basement’ on Stanley Street.
Introduction of a government employment programme (STEP). Development of the GYrO Project (Gay Youth r Out)
YPAS is established, a full time counsellor is employed & YPAS is identified as one of the pioneer youth counselling services in the country.
Liverpool Personal Services Society gains funding due to demand on the services of the Citizens Advice Bureau for advice, support & information by young people.