Introducing Youth Options: A New Support for Young People in Our Community
We are pleased to let parents and carers know about a new supportive provision operating across Basingstoke that some of our students may already have encountered: Youth Options’ Street Reach team.
Youth Options is a long-established youth charity that supports young people across Hampshire, providing positive, relationship-based support for young people in the community. Thanks to new funding, they have recently expanded their work into the Basingstoke area, and we are keen to share information about what they offer.
What Is ‘Street Reach’?
Instead of running sessions from a fixed centre, Youth Options hope to encounter young people in the places they naturally spend time—local parks, skate parks, town areas, and residential neighbourhoods. This style of work is known as detached youth work, and it enables their team to build genuine, voluntary relationships with young people in relaxed, familiar environments.
Young people may speak to the team about a range of topics, including:
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Friendships and relationships
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School and future aspirations
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Wellbeing and confidence
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Community issues or concerns
Their Youth Bus
You may hear your child mention “the youth bus.” Youth Options use a converted minibus equipped with sofas, games, and refreshments, offering a warm, safe space for young people to drop in, talk, or take part in activities. Because it’s mobile, the bus moves to different locations depending on where support is needed.
Who They Work With
Youth Options engage with a wide age range—from children around age 8 up to older teenagers (18). Engagement is entirely optional, and young people choose how and when they get involved.
Why We Are Sharing This With Families?
As a school, we aim to highlight external services that may play a positive role in the lives of our students. Youth Options’ presence in the community offers:
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An additional safe adult for young people to speak to
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Opportunities for informal support and guidance
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Positive activities and safe spaces outside of the school day
Their team are committed to forming supportive, trusting relationships with young people and to working closely with local partners.
Where to Find Them
Youth Options have shared a poster with their usual times in the community (locations may vary depending on local need) - you will find this attached below. We'd encourage you to take a look so you know when and where they may be available.
Want to Know More?
If you would like further information or would like to connect with Youth Options directly, please feel free to contact us at school and we can point you in the right direction.