National Youth Agency: Recession putting young people's advice services under great strain

The survey reveals a sector almost overwhelmed by demand for its services while struggling to cope with reduced funding and overstretched capacity.

At the same time agencies are working against the background of reforms of the youth sector and the health sector, which for most have been ineffectual and for many had negative consequences, the briefing says.

Housing, homelessness, debts and benefits enquiries have all greatly increased and there is also evidence that young people are presenting with more complex and severe mental health and emotional problems than in the past.

More than three-quarters of services describe their capacity to meet demand as either "under strain" or "at breaking point". Many are attempting to meet increased demand with reduced capacity. Almost half of all services experienced funding cuts in 2009 and a quarter see themselves "at real risk" in the next 12 months.