TWO of Devon County Council's services that support children and young people have been applauded by people who have used the services, and Councillors, at an anniversary celebration last week.

Y-Smart supports children and young people who have drug or alcohol-related issues, and those who experience parents or carers and siblings misusing drugs or alcohol.

The service has supported thousands of young people in the 21 years it’s been operating.

And the council’s Reach Team, which supports young people at risk of going missing from care or home and potentially becoming victims of exploitation, has been running for 10 years.

Young people supported by both services, some of whom now are adults, joined support staff, senior council officers and Councillors this week to celebrate the two services’ anniversaries.

Speaking on behalf of both services, Manager Nick Meller, said: 'Both services play a vital role in safeguarding and protecting vulnerable children and young people from harm.

'While much has changed over the years, in terms of risk to young people, both services have continually evolved and developed to continue to be relevant to the people they support.'

The Y-Smart service has supported around 8,250 young people since 2002, and has about 650 people referred to it each year.

The service has also delivered around 4,560 education sessions into schools since 2002, talking to young people about risks associated with drugs and alcohol.

Now an adult, James first experienced alcohol-related problems at a younger age at home, and was then introduced to Y-Smart and support worker, Rachel.

'My mum had alcohol and mental health problems,” he told guests at last week’s event.

'Before I met Rachel from Y-Smart, it was a very lonely place to be. Rachel has always been there for me when I needed her, and because of her continued support, I was able to open up to her.

'No one believed in me, but she did. She really empowered me to grow and become an adult.'

Families of those supported by the services have also voiced their praise. 

One parent said about the member of staff who supported her daughter: 'She was amazing and managed to get on my daughter’s level and get her attention and respect.

'She totally ‘gets’ my daughter.  I have also benefited so much from our conversations.'