Home » News » YPAS Secures DHSC Funding Extension for Mental Health Services

YPAS Secures DHSC Funding Extension for Mental Health Services

February 12, 2026

Following today’s national announcement from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), YPAS is pleased to confirm that we will receive an element of the extended funding. This enables us to continue making a vital local contribution to the national early intervention strategy, supporting the delivery of essential mental health services for children and young people in Merseyside until April 2027.

The DHSC funding extension forms part of the Government’s wider commitment to strengthening early intervention and community-based mental health provision across England. As one of the funded Youth Information, Advice and Counselling Services (YIACS), YPAS will continue providing accessible, preventative support through our Merseyside community hubs and outreach settings.

A Collective Effort

This achievement has been made possible thanks in part to the collective efforts of the #FundTheHubs campaign, a collaboration of 24 mental health charities including YPAS, Mind, YoungMinds, Youth Access and The Children’s Society advocating for sustainable funding for early support hubs nationwide.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Young People

For children and young people locally, this funding ensures continued access to safe, welcoming spaces where they can receive timely mental health support before needs escalate. The extension provides important short-term stability for our services and workforce as we plan delivery across 2026/27.

A Positive Step

While this funding is a welcome and important development, it addresses only part of YPAS’s broader funding needs. Like many voluntary sector organisations, we continue to face significant challenges as demand for children and young people’s mental health support grows. Our goal remains a fully funded, nationwide network of early support hubs, backed by multi-year commitments to ensure equitable access for all young people, no matter where they live.

We remain committed to working with partners, commissioners and advocates to secure sustainable, long-term investment that ensures every young person in Liverpool and beyond can access the support they need.

For further details, please see the full national DHSC announcement here: HERE

I want to thank Caz and Paula for an amazing 10 weeks. I have learnt so much in such a small amount of time. Understanding why my son shows certain behaviours. I also have learnt a lot about myself. Home is a much happier place. Best course I have been on and would definitely recommend to other parents. Again, can’t thank Caroline and Paula enough No judgment just understanding and so caring and helpful.
Parent/Carer

To Kate, thank you so much for everything, you've helped me so much. Thank you for helping me realise just how beautiful everything is.
Young Person

I can’t thank Lucy enough. She went over and above my expectations. Extending Eve’s sessions and having some real breakthroughs with her. She finished off with a really lovely party for Eve that included all of her favourite things. Well above and beyond.
Parent/Carer

I really enjoyed my time with Jeanette. She made me feel heard, valued and always remained professional. I was nervous about starting to talk therapy, but she immediately put me at ease and allowed me to get the most out of my sessions from the get-go. I would recommend her services to anyone, she’s friendly, personable and takes so much pride in her work. A real asset to the YPAS team.
Young Person

Seedlings Anna and Emma are amazing they put children 1st and are always willing to support and help families. They build amazing relationships with children, my daughter feels comfortable with both Emma and Anna and was able to communicate her thoughts and feelings which is really difficult for Amelia to do. I have only had a positive experience working with seedlings.

Parent/Carer

I felt very well listened to and I always felt like I could come here after a bad day and just talk to Jade about my feelings and not feel like I was getting judged.

Young Person

Lauren Marsh has provided counselling for my daughter. She started counselling and was unhappy with various things and needed an outside source of support. Lauren provided this service with sensitivity and care, which has helped my daughter come out of her shell and discuss the things that have been bothering her. Lauren has offered an insight on my daughters’ parents on certain concerns that have been raised, during the sessions. As a dad, I can see a huge difference in my daughter’s general mood. She seems to manage her emotions well and is more open about various things that are bothering her. I am so grateful for Lauren’s care and support. My daughter has been comfortable enough to open up. Lauren also raised concerns about progressing into grief counselling, which I felt was incredibly considerate, ensuring mu daughters mental wellbeing was catered for outside of counselling sessions.

Parent/Carer

The sessions with Caitlin in school helped me to have someone to talk to without judgement but an outsider observation.

Young Person

Dear Meg and the team. I cannot express enough the gratitude, thanks and praise for your organisation. Meg: thank you for the time spent with my granddaughter and myself. Your knowledge, professionalism and kindness were outstanding. Reception: So kind and caring. Enquiries dealt with compassionately with excellent signposting. A big pat on the back to you all. I dread to think where this city would be without your organisation.

Parent/Carer

Jodie was very nice and helpful when I didn't know what to do about my anxiety. I am finished now and feel confident to manage my anxiety myself and know a lot about it to help others, I feel a lot less anxious

Young Person