Business Details
37 Years
experience
Youth Mental Health Support in Leeds
The Market Place has been a cornerstone of youth mental health support in Leeds since 1989. Our youth-centred approach empowers individuals aged 11-25 through free, confidential services including counselling, drop-in support, and C-Card provision. With a dedicated team of qualified youth workers and counsellors, we prioritise self-directed growth in a non-judgmental environment. Funded by NHS Leeds, Leeds City Council until June 2024, and sustained by donations, we have supported tens of thousands of young people over three decades.Our governance combines professional expertise with youth participation, ensuring services remain shaped by those they serve. Despite our closure in September 2025 due to funding challenges, our legacy reflects a steadfast commitment to emotional resilience and youth empowerment in Leeds.
Services
Counselling
Drop-In Support
C-Card Service
Youth Work Sessions
Group Work
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 36 years of specialist youth mental health experience in Leeds
- Youth-centred approach prioritising self-directed personal development
- Free and confidential services for 11-25 year olds
- Experienced team of qualified youth workers and counsellors
- Integrated support through counselling, drop-in sessions and C-Card provision
What people say
Lifeline for young people
Non-judgmental space
Skilled counsellors
Confidential support
Creative activities helped
Services
Counselling
Confidential one-to-one sessions with qualified counsellors provide safe spaces for young people to explore personal challenges. Our non-judgmental approach supports emotional resilience through relationship discussions, life event processing, and self-acceptance development. Sessions run up to 12 months with experienced professionals.
Drop-In Support
Daily 30-minute youth work sessions offer immediate mental health support without appointments. Professional workers provide guidance on any issues affecting young people in confidential settings. Available Wed-Fri 15:00-18:00 with last entry at 17:15.
C-Card Service
Free confidential sexual health service includes contraceptive access and advice during drop-in hours. Delivered by trained youth workers who maintain strict confidentiality while providing essential health information and resources to young people aged 11-25.
Youth Work Sessions
Structured support helps young people build life skills and emotional resilience through informal learning. Sessions focus on self-expression, problem-solving, and confidence-building activities tailored to individual needs in safe, welcoming environments.
Group Work
Creative group activities foster social connections while addressing mental health challenges. Participants develop coping strategies through collaborative projects that promote positive self-image and mutual support among Leeds-based young people aged 11-25.
People
Lisa Mulherin
Chief Executive
With two decades of youth advocacy experience as a Councillor and school governor, Lisa leads our team in delivering youth-centred mental health support. She champions young people's voices in service development and organisational governance.
Chris Forrest
Board Member
Experienced director with expertise in organisational governance and financial management. Contributes strategic oversight to ensure compliance with legal requirements and effective resource stewardship for sustainable youth service delivery.
Isobel
Counselling Manager
Leads our counselling team in providing confidential therapeutic support. Oversees delivery of up to 12-month counselling programmes that help young people navigate personal challenges through structured, empathetic professional relationships.
Richard
Youth Work Manager
Manages daily youth work operations including drop-in services and group activities. Ensures safe, welcoming environments where young people develop emotional resilience through informal learning and peer interaction.
Cath Storey
Admin and Finance
Handles financial administration and organisational logistics. Maintains operational efficiency through meticulous record-keeping and donor relationship management while supporting day-to-day service delivery requirements.
Questions
What services does The Market Place offer?
We provide free counselling, drop-in youth work support, C-Card services, and group work sessions for 11-25 year olds in Leeds.
Is The Market Place closing permanently?
Yes, we will close on 27th September 2025 due to insufficient funding despite our 36-year history of youth mental health support.
How can I access support before closure?
Visit our drop-in sessions Wed-Fri 15:00-18:00 or book appointments via our website for face-to-face or telephone counselling.
What alternatives exist after closure?
Please check our Useful Links page for helplines and crisis services that remain available to young people in Leeds.
How was The Market Place funded?
We received funding from NHS Leeds and Leeds City Council until June 2024, plus individual donations and trust applications.
Can I still donate to support youth services?
Yes, donations remain welcome to support our final operations and help young people access alternative services post-closure.
