Homeless youth in Plymouth can now receive bespoke advocacy support from NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) within an hour of referral, thanks to a pilot project in partnership with Plymouth City Council which launched today, Monday 4th September.
The service, delivered by NYAS, has been designed in partnership with Plymouth City Council and will offer support to 16- and 17-year-olds who are homeless, or under threat of homelessness, providing advocacy and targeted support to help them navigate the complex housing system.
Delivered virtually, the year-long pilot scheme will help inform how the Council should support young people facing homelessness. NYAS will use a service-user led and trauma informed approach within the service to improve the experience of young people and to prevent additional emotional or psychological harm. Many homeless young people have faced difficult experiences and Plymouth City Council remains committed to understanding and compassionately respond to these lived experiences.
England has the highest rate of homelessness out of the devolved nations for 16–24-year-olds and in 2018 to 2019, there were almost 50 young people aged 16-17 alone in Plymouth recorded as being homeless. 49% of these children faced significant health issues and 14% came from a care-experienced background. NYAS believes that no child or young person should ever be made homeless and is delighted to be launching this service in Plymouth to advance this mission.
We are excited to be working in partnership with a new local authority, Plymouth City Council. Our advocates will make sure young people in Plymouth understand their rights and can have their voice heard by the local authority. We are committed to making sure these young people get access to the services they need and are entitled to.
Kevin Roberts, Operations Manager at NYAS
Alongside this project, NYAS is a leading provider of advocacy for care-experienced children and young people, as well as those in mental health settings. Other services include a national helpline, participation programmes, the provision of independent visitors for children in care and representation of children in private family law.
