Prevention Services

Our Prevention Services

At Youth Options, we are committed to all children and young people achieving a better future. Our prevention services offer free, open access, street and centre-based (Street Reach and YOur Space) youth work in communities with the greatest need across Hampshire.

Our Youth support workers support children and young people to develop social skills and reduce vulnerability to anti-social behaviour, risk taking and exploitation. We offer safe spaces, trusted relationships, build confidence and enhance resilience.  

We have a strong presence across Southampton, Winchester, Basingstoke and the New Forest, delivering services tailored to the unique needs of each community.

What Do Prevention Services Do?

Early intervention is crucial in addressing issues before they escalate. By focusing on prevention, we aim to:

Provide Safe Spaces

Provide opportunities for children and young people to socialise and play safely, forming trusted relationships with adults and peers. 

Improve Wellbeing

Develop communication skills and the emotional regulation strategies that help build resilience.

Access support

Increase awareness of support available and signposting to additional services. 

Impact of Prevention Services

Our prevention work has led to:
  • Increased Engagement97% of young people accessing our services strongly agreed that they felt safer knowing that Youth Options’ staff were in their area. 100% agreed they enjoyed participating.
  • Overcoming Challenges 89% surveyed strongly agreed that they were better at overcoming challenges and 78% that they were better at handling their emotions.
  • Access to Support 98% of young people surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that they knew what support, advice and guidance was available and how to access it.

Our prevention services are completely drop-in, giving young people the freedom to come and go as they like. They can take part in activities that interest them, connect with friends, and seek support from our friendly youth support workers whenever needed. This creates a welcoming, low-pressure environment where young people can engage on their own terms.

You can see where our team will be below.

Help Transform Lives Like Ash’s

Ash struggled with anxiety, low self-esteem, and a lack of confidence that held him back from engaging with others. Through our community youth work sessions, Ash found a safe space to open up, build trust, and connect with peers. With consistent support, he developed coping strategies, improved his confidence, and began setting goals for his future.

Thanks to donors like you, Ash is now thriving—engaging in group activities, pursuing his ambitions, and embracing opportunities he once avoided. Your donation can help more young people like Ash overcome challenges and reach their full potential.