Recommendation 21

For some children and young people where schools are not their preferred place to access support, drop-in hubs that operate on an open access, self-referral basis provide a valuable alternative opportunity to access help. We have heard that the large-scale roll out of a similar style system has improved outcomes for children and young people in Australia. Where these hubs already exist in the UK, based on the Youth Information Advice and Counselling model, they fill a vital gap in the health system and are perceived as accessible to young people. They are also capable of reaching those who may be less able to access traditional services. However, while these have been rolled out in some areas of the country, we have heard that this is subject to local funding priorities and is far from a standard provision. Access to these drop-in services should not be dependent on where a young person lives but should be available nationally.