Preparations are well underway to launch a month-long celebration to mark some of the most significant milestones in the advancement of children’s right

Throughout November, we will dedicate a programme of activity to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Children Act 1989, the 30th anniversary of Article 12 of the United Nations Convention On the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the 30th anniversary of the NYAS National Helpline.

All NYAS services are formulated around the child-centred principles set out in the Children Act 1989 and Article 12 of the UNCRC, which asserts that children have the right to have their views heard and taken seriously, when decisions are being made about them. The charity’s founder, Judith Timms played a key role in lobbying for the introduction of the Children Act 1989, a watershed moment in the advancement of children’s rights in England and Wales.

As well as recognising the difference these momentous developments have made to the lives of millions of children over the last 30 years, NYAS is celebrating three decades of supporting children and young people through its own National Helpline.

The Helpline receives around 24,500 contacts a year and offers advice and information as well as allocating independent advocates to around 10,000 cases created annually.

Activity planned by NYAS to commemorate the 30th anniversaries includes a dedicated social media campaign, a celebratory anniversary book and a special awareness raising event to be held at the House of Commons.
The programme will run throughout November to coincide with United Nations Universal Children’s Day, which is celebrated on November 20th each year. The UNCRC was also adopted by the UN General Assembly in November of 1989.

Rita Waters, NYAS Chief Executive, said, “We have a unique opportunity in 2019 to recognise and celebrate a trio of anniversaries of enormous significance to NYAS. Our intention is to use the anniversaries to celebrate what has been made possible by both Article 12 of the UNCRC and the Children Act 1989. The occasion also provides us with a platform to raise awareness of the importance of giving children and young people a voice, and ensuring their rights are upheld. It will also demonstrate how NYAS continues to campaign for further change.

We’ll be placing a spotlight on our Helpline too, celebrating its 30th anniversary year to promote its achievements and help secure its future, so we can continue to reach out to the children and young people who need our support.”

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