Advocacy means giving young person support so that their thoughts and feelings are heard. The service also helps young people understand their rights and express what they want.
An advocate will inform the young person of their rights and entitlements, help them share their views, explore choices and options for them, liaise with other professionals.
Advocates support a young person through listening, understanding, sharing the viewpoints of the young person, supporting the young people at meetings or attending on their behalf, helping the young person to understand information being presented by other professionals, providing information on the young person’s rights and entitlements, respecting decisions and remaining impartial, and remaining confidential.
Who can access this service:
- Young people from Stoke and Staffordshire aged 5 – 18 who are either a Looked After Child OR have a Child Protection Plan OR have a Child in Need plan
- Young people from Stoke and Staffordshire aged 5 – 25 who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or learning difficulties
- Care Leavers from Stoke and Staffordshire up to the age of 25
Anybody can make a referral as long as the young person has given consent for this. Self-referrals are encouraged. Any professional or family member can also make a referral.
Out of hours number 03003035355
Monday to Friday: 8am – 9am and 5pm – 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 4pm
This number is for any child or young person who needs to contact the service out of hours and is also a support line for Independent Visitors and foster carers. It is not a number for professionals. If you are a professional, please contact the project directly.
