Austerity cuts to the core services of youthwork, social care and mental health services has created a void in support and early intervention for young people and their families. This leads to higher levels of anti-social behaviour and decreases in mental health levels. Young people are especially vulnerable during the difficult transition from childhood to adulthood, and the loss of key services means that these vulnerabilities are enhanced.

The Door's Community Youthwork model acknowledges that there’s only so much that can done in a 2-hour youth club session: the impact of youthworkers can be much greater when they become embedded in the communities they work in. They go into local secondary and primary schools, liaise with town and parish councils, neighbourhood wardens and youth forums, and have a close relationship with neighbourhood police. Youthworkers build long-term, meaningful relationships with young people based on trust