CYPF Consortium Youth Worker Pilot (Now Closed)
About the Project
The Youth Worker Pilot, funded by the NHSE CYP Transformation Programme and delivered by the Children, Young People and Families Consortium implemented a Youth Worker Service within the Children’s Ward at Rotherham Hospital between August 2023 – June 2025.
Project Aims
The project aimed to support children and young people aged 11 to 19 with new and existing long-term conditions (asthma, epilepsy, diabetes) and complex health care needs. The service was extended up to the age of 25 for young people with an Education and Health Care Plan on a case-by-case basis.
A committed Youth Worker Team operated both within Rotherham Hospital and in the community, collaborating with. Their goal was to assist children, young people, and their families in navigating health services facilitating access to additional support within community settings and ensuring a smooth transition into adult-led care, facilitating access to additional support within community settings.
The project was funded by NHS England, distributed via The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
The project was led and delivered by the Children, Young People and Families Consortium.
Project delivery was supported by Rotherham United Community Trust.
Youth Worker Pilot Project Evaluation
The evaluation of the Youth Worker Pilot Project (YWPP) examines the integration of youth workers within Rotherham Hospital and community settings.
Key Highlights:
The project provided 674 interventions (emotional, social, and practical support, advocacy and education liaison) to 77 young people with 53 being supported to access support in the community.
20 referrals required multi-agency collaboration with 12 being safeguarding concerns raised, highlighting the project’s role in early intervention and risk management. 45% of referrals involved school-related issues, with youth workers playing a key role in re-engaging young people with education and securing placements.
The project navigated cross-organisational policies, data governance, recruitment barriers, and integration into NHS settings, offering valuable learning for future models.
For young people, support was tailored to their needs with each participant receiving an average of 10 interventions over 4.5 months. At its highest demand, young people received 33 interventions spanning 8.5 months. Youth-led activities and peer interactions reduced isolation and stigma, especially for those from deprived areas (67% of referrals). The project was successful in leading to reduced hospital re-admissions, improved medical engagement, and increased confidence and independence among young people.
Parent Testimonial
“My daughter needed some support after a stay in the hospital.
The empathetic Youth Worker at the Hospital suggested referring her to Smiles for Miles. The next day the Smiles for Miles Base Project Co-ordinator contacted me to discuss my child’s individual needs. Zoe was incredibly attentive, taking the time to thoroughly understand our situation and the challenges my daughter was facing.
Together, we discussed various options and ultimately decided on a comprehensive package of care that we believed would best suit and support her. Zoe’s extensive knowledge of the available support services and her ability to navigate through them was invaluable. She made the entire process feel manageable and less overwhelming.
Within two weeks of the referral, my daughter began her counseling sessions. The swift and efficient response from Smiles for Miles ensured that there was no prolonged period of uncertainty or anxiety. The care package provided has made a significant positive impact on my daughter’s recovery and overall well-being.
I cannot thank Smiles for Miles enough, especially Zoe for her compassionate approach, her listening ear, and her deep understanding of the support systems. Zoe’s expertise and dedication have been a beacon of hope and support during a very challenging time for our family.”
Rotherham Advertiser
CYPF Consortium Youth Worker Joshua Hebenstreit said: “By getting to know each young person, we can help them manage their condition better, leading to an overall improvement in their quality of life.”
A parent of one patient described the project as “truly commendable”, saying: “Josh’s support significantly impacted my child’s hospital stay and recovery. “His dedication continued even after discharge, ensuring we received the necessary support.”
Helen Dobson, chief nurse at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, added: “This vital initiative bridges the gap between medical care and emotional support for young patients with long-term health conditions.”
