Islington Youth Counselling and Substance Misuse and Alcohol Service (YCSMAS)

YCSMAS offers a holistic approach to social, emotional and physical wellbeing that supports young people to feel safe and empowered in body and mind. Young people can be seen via 3 pathways – TYS Youth Counselling, SEMH Youth Counselling for 6 to 12 creative and trauma informed weekly counselling sessions or IYPDAS for one-to-one support if affected by drug and alcohol issues.

We also provide consultations, training and workshops with our colleagues within the London Borough of Islington, Schools, Youth Hubs, Children’s Services, A&E and GP surgeries.

YCSMAS consists of trained therapeutic counsellors and trained substance misuse practitioners who deliver specialist support and intervention to young people experiencing mental health and/or substance misuse issues.

All staff specialise in and deliver trauma informed practice. We work with a range of young people including but not limited to those experiencing complex issues; bereavement; trauma; domestic violent abuse, CSA, CSE and HSB; victims or perpetrators of violence; gang affiliations; young parents; Children’s Social Care and Youth Justice Service.

TYS Youth Counselling & IYPDAS referral pathway (young people aged 12 to 21 who reside or study in the Borough of Islington)

Email: YCSMAS@islington.gov.uk 

Landline: 0207 527 5099

SEMH Counselling pathway (young people aged 10 to 18 who are registered with an Islington GP)

All referrals for this service come through the SEMH referral pathway (including all referrals from GPs, CAMHS and hospitals)

SEMH / CST dutyon 0207 527 7400, or complete the Request for Service form and email to csctreferrals@islington.gov.uk.