Counselling left in dire condition, according to Youth Access study

The report, which is based on a survey of 54 information, advice, counselling and support services, found professionals are worryingly overstretched.

Almost nine out 10 services reported increased demand for counselling, as a result of the recession and increased youth unemployment. A similar proportion reported an increase in demand for debt advice and 87 per cent said demand for housing and benefits advice has gone up.

More than three-quarters say their service is "under strain" or "at breaking point" since they are trying to cope with more clients and less funding.

Earlier this month, a children, schools and families select committee report said young people not in employment, education or training would benefit from access to "one-stop-shop" style advice services, similar to those provided in Netherlands.

But Barbara Rayment, director of Youth Access, argued that her members are already delivering this sort of provision. She called on government to protect existing services, as opposed to looking to Holland for inspiration.

"The value of our members' work is proven," she said. "What is needed is for them to be developed, supported and resourced so that they can continue to give the most disadvantaged young people a chance to overcome the problems which can be insurmountable barriers to engagement with work."