YASP

YASP has been around since 2002, and was felt to be necessary as there was a lack of support and advice around in Manchester for young people who found themselves under stress.

We have grown from one caseworker in a tiny office to having a cafe with regular meals, free internet access, activities, groups, counselling and an advice service with 4 caseworkers, including a specialist service for young refugee and asylum seekers.

One of the main aspects of YASP is an advice service to help you sort out any difficulties with housing, benefits and debts.  These can all be really stressful and difficult problems to sort out by yourself, so if you want advice or some help with any of these issues. drop-in on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon (see groups and drop-ins) or give us a ring and ask to be referred to a caseworker.  We can also support you if you are finding it difficult to cope and do not know where else to get help.

If you think talking to someone might help you try and sort your head out, you can refer yourself to the YASP counsellor.  You can arrange a session just to see whether you think counselling might help. If you think it might, further sessions can then be arranged.

If you are at a loose end, want to make friends, learn new skills or just have a coffee and a healthy meal then come and see what is going on in the cafe (see cafe section ).

As you can see there is a lot going on at YASP and all aimed at supporting and promoting good mental health - important for all of us.