Background

The Market Place project for young people has been established in Leeds since 1989. It is a respected provider of young people’s counselling, Youth Work and support services and is a front-runner in the development of early intervention youth services, particularly in relation to meeting young people’s mental health, sexual health and crisis support needs. It is city centre based and provides a citywide service. Young people aged 13-25 from all over Leeds access services.

It has both a national and local reputation for the provision and delivery of preventative support services to young people. The Market Place is the only service in Leeds offering the range and quantity of mental health focused one to one services for this age range in a young person centred environment. Young people can Drop In for support or arrange access to a range of one to one services.

The Market Place has continued to develop services, which are both reflective of the needs of young people and also contribute to national and local priorities relating to young peoples services.

The Market Place evolved from the Leeds Market District Boys Club, which was set up by Leeds Parish Church who maintain a supportive relationship with the organisation.

Prior to taking on its’ current form, local young people were asked what type of support service they wanted. They said:- a place separate to school where you can get information, support and counselling in the city centre. So that is what is on offer…

The Market Place is at 28 Kirkgate, next to Leeds Market, and has a shop front Drop In and 6 Counselling/One to One support rooms.