YSS was formed in 1986 as ISS (Intensive Support Scheme), with a management board consisting of representatives from Social Services, Youth Services, Education, Probation, Police and Magistrates and hosted under the umbrella of the Worcester Diocesan Board for social responsibility.
Changing its name in 1994 from “ISS” to “YSS (Youth Support Services)”, for nearly 40 years the charity has evolved significantly to serve communities across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Warwickshire developing a strong track record of engaging some of the most under-supported people in society. Its built up a number of specialities surrounding key strands that run through all services, including Employability, Education and Training, and Mental Health Support. YSS currently delivers 17 services, and makes a difference to over 2,000 people a year.
Social value to support the long-term community safety objects of West Mercia
Business suppliers to the emergency services, councils, NHS and criminal justice services across West Mercia can now opt to strategically align their contract social value in collaboration with YSS, through #MORSE.
The Impact of #MORSE
#MORSE has been a successful project over the years. In a recent evaluation, the findings were very positive and clearly indicated, within the limitations of the method, that #MORSE is having a positive impact.
#MORSE is a Partnership
Operated by YSS in partnership with Hereford, Worcester and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Services, and West Mercia Police #MORSE also links into council safety priorities and is a support for the reduction in demand and costs of the regions NHS and criminal justice services.
Many road safety projects look only at the person’s driving skills; these include journey goals, traffic skills, and vehicle skills. #MORSE also addresses these areas by using a Safer Driving Behaviour Change model.
What makes this service important for West Mercia is that it looks at the person as a whole, taking into account their:
- Social environment
- Goals for life
- Living skills
West Mercia's business suppliers and contract social value...
Through the creation of the DICM (West Mercia) social value marketplace the region's business suppliers to emergency services, councils, NHS and criminal justice services are able to forge impact collaborations with YSS to build-out this important #MORSE service across the region.