Ethos (how we work)

The organisation is ‘young person centred’, which means that we do not give advice or tell someone what to do, but rather offer support and space for young people to work through their issues, at their pace, in their way/s. We believe young people are the experts in their own lives.

Some young people may need specific information and call into Drop In once or occasionally. Some access the Drop In regularly for support over several weeks or months.
The Counselling and other One to One support services are offered for up to 12 months at a time, and young people are encouraged to refer themselves.

The emphasis in both Drop In and One to One support is that of choice, informality and flexibility.

The staff
The Market Place is an independent voluntary sector charity. It is staffed by a committed and highly motivated group of people, both paid and voluntary. The staff team is made up of workers with a range of personal and professional experience – this includes qualified Youth Workers and Counsellors, those in training or gaining experience, experience in research and mental health work.

The staff work in different partnerships, forums and task groups alongside other organisations and agencies across the city. Developing strategies to support young people’s needs and ensuring young people are on the agenda and that they are being supported in appropriate ways.

Management
The Market Place has a Board of Directors who hold the responsibility for the legal requirements of the organisation and help steer and support the work. They meet every 6 weeks and are made up of people with a variety of expertise and experience related to managing an organisation.

There is a young people’s participation group called HYPE [Helping Young People through Experience] who have used services at The Market Place and are involved in different activities and contribute to the development of the project.

There is also an Advisory Group of professionals from different agencies across the city supporting the ongoing work of the organisation – this group is called HOLD [Helping the Organisation Learn and Develop],

Funding
The Market Place receives funding from a range of sources – some of this is from government funds and some from charities :-

• Leeds Primary Care Trust – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services [CAMHs]
• Social Services – CAMHs
• Social Services – Teenage Pregnancy Strategy
• Leeds PCT – Adult Mental Health
• Leeds City Council – Youth Service
• Engage - Connexions
• Community Safety - Safer Leeds
• Big Lottery – Young People’ Fund

We also receive small donations from individuals who support the work of the organisation.

To look at The Market Place research reports and service user feedback booklets please go to downloads