During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are continuing to support young people in Aylesbury Vale and offering our services virtually, 5 days a week.

Our primary service is a Drop-in centre open 4 days a week which provides a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where young people can access advice and guidance as well as an IT suite, music studio, pool table, kitchen etc. . Our skilled, committed staff and volunteer team provide person centred support to empower young people to make informed decisions, reduce risk and increase their opportunities and life chances.

We also have a counselling department providing programmes of person centred counselling to young people experiencing emotional and mental distress.

We also run a Nightstop scheme (an emergency host-accommodation scheme for young people facing a homelessness crisis) where we aim to find a same day solution of a safe place to stay. Holistic support packages are then provided as well as support to identify longer term housing options.

In 2020 we are launching our flagship youth supported accommodation and employment pathways project called ‘The Next Step’. This takes the form of a 9-bedroom house that will provide up to 20 young people per year with a safe home where they can stay for up to 12 months. Bespoke one-to-one support packages will be provided focussing on health, skills, employment and resettlement to enable a smooth transition to independent living.

Why does our help matter? Many young people tell us that we have been a lifeline for us when they had nowhere to turn and nobody to ask for help. If it were not for your support, they say, we would have been on the streets, or in prison or would not have managed to cope or find that job or get out of that risky situation.

A lot of our work is preventative and our beneficiaries tell us we were there when they needed us most.