To describe the mental disorders and social function of the hard to reach young people (HTRYP) from the innovations project (IP) and compare to a matched sample from a community mental health team (CMHT).

IP was a new multidisciplinary team based within an inner city, walk-in health centre, North East England (throughout 2011).

Phase 1 and 2: retrospective review of clinical case notes of YP who attended the IP and CMHT. Phase 3: 24-months follow-up evaluation of the mental state and social function, using Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (HoNOSCA) and Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS).

Overall, 36 referrals accepted by the IP, 31 met criteria for HTRYP, 15 were offered individually tailored therapy. IP group experienced more deprivation compared to the CMHT matched sample (n = 115). At baseline, the HTRYP had more mental disorders, higher severity scores and lower levels of social function (HTRYP HoNOSCA mean: 19.1 and CMHT mean: 11.2 P = < 0.001 and HTRYP CGAS mean: 51.0, CMHT mean: 58.9, P = 0.05). The HTRYP made significantly greater improvement compared to CMHTYP; (HoNOSCA P = < 0.001 and CGAS P = < 0.002). Thirteen HTRYP attended the follow-up review at 24 months compared with nine of CMHTYP. There was great variability in terms of social function between the YP within each sample.

The term “HTR” describes a state, which the YP may be at a particular point their lives. A service, which utilises a developmental theoretical framework, offers regular reviews and an individualised care plan, could reduce longer-term morbidity and mortality suffered by HTRYP.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.