Advocacy
Find out everything you need to know about what advocacy is and why it’s important for you.
At Team Fostering, we think it's essential that children and young people know about advocacy.
Coram Voice have made a great video which we think tells you what you need to know! Project Listen in the Yorkshire and East Midlands region have also put the following information together for you:
What is advocacy?
- Advocacy is where someone speaks on your behalf
- An advocate can help you understand your rights
- They will also make sure that your views are heard
Why might I need an advocate?
- You might need an advocate if you are unhappy with a service
- If people are making decisions about your life without listening to what you have to say
- They can also help you make a complaint about a service
What does an advocate do?
- They are independent from your social worker and carer and they are not a family member or friend.
- An advocate’s role can include arguing your case when you need them to
- You may want them to write letters on your behalf or speak for you in situations where you don’t feel able to speak for yourself
What will an advocate not do?
- They will not give you their personal opinion
- They will not solve problems or make decisions for you
- They are not there to judge you!
Who can I talk to for support with advocacy?
Team Fostering
If you would like to speak to an independent advocate, but don’t know who to call, Team Fostering can help you find out who to call.
Sheffield – 0114 261 7762
North Shields – 0191 257 6806
National Youth Service (NYAS)
NYAS are a UK charity providing information, advice, advocacy and legal representation to young people and vulnerable adults.
0808 8081001
Coram Voice
Coram Voice offer help to young people who are living in care or have recently left care. They have trained staff called advocates who can help you if you are having problems.
0808 800 5792