Sheffield Futures at the Youth Access Member Meet 2024
Sheffield Futures proudly attended the Youth Access Member Meet 2024, joining leaders from across the youth information, advice and counselling (YIACS) sector. The event provided a valuable platform to connect with fellow organisations, share best practices, and discuss the critical challenges facing the sector.
Key discussions highlighted the uncertainty surrounding government funding for Early Support Hubs beyond March 2024, raising concerns about the future of essential services. As one of 24 pilot Hubs, funded by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), our own Early Support Hub has been delivering early intervention mental health and well-being support out in Sheffield communities; particularly, those in the North East of Sheffield, as an area of high deprivation. Our “Hublets” have been visiting schools and established community groups, such as Scouts, to deliver a series of group sessions focusing on:
Raising awareness of mental health issues.
Building resilience and learning coping strategies and techniques.
Improving knowledge of Sheffield’s wider support network.
The funding is currently due to end in March 2025. While the Government has stated their intention to establish ‘Young Futures Hubs’ in every community across the country, it remains unclear when and how this funding will be delivered. We welcomed the conversation with Matt Lee, Head of Children and Young People's Mental Health Policy at the Department of Health and Social Care, at the Youth Access Member Meet to raise our concerns.
In the afternoon, Sheffield Futures actively participated in knowledge-sharing sessions, underscoring its commitment to improving youth services amidst an evolving landscape.
For more event insights, visit Youth Access.