At NYAS, we understand the highs and lows that parenting brings. It can be wonderful watching your child grow, but we also know that not everyone has this experience.
Parents who are involved with social services or have previously been in care themselves often have a very different experience in parenthood, facing questions, processes, and social services involvement. These process can be very stressful to deal with, and can take a toll on mental health.
NYAS Cymru offers a range of services to help parents who may be facing child protection processes, or who are subject to additional service involvement due tot their care-experienced status.
Our Parent Advocacy service is there to support parents and carers whose children are, or have been involved with, social services.The role of a NYAS Parent Advocate is to support parents to positively engage with professionals from third sector and statutory organisations to resolve issues that are negatively impacting their family. This service is free and confidential and aims to empower parents so that they feel part of the solution to achieve positive outcomes for the whole family. We use a rights-based approach, enabling parents and carers to exercise choice and control over situations.
Parents feel very lost. If it wasn’t for Parent Advocacy I would still be lost in the system and my child would not be at home.
Ali*, Parent Advocacy Participant
We also have Project Unity, which works to support pregnant women and young mothers with care experience to engage with services, access practical and emotional support and learn new life skills. During this project, NYAS Cymru aims to keep families together, wherever possible. The project sets out to help young care experienced women to overcome any barriers that may prevent them from accessing support.
Mental Health Services
We understand that sometimes, when thigs are tough, you need someone in your corner. Across England and Wales, NYAS offers mental health advocacy to young people and adults who are being cared for under the Mental Health Act. If you might find you’re not involved in decisions made about your care or that your wishes aren’t being listened to, an independent mental health advocate can help.
An Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) will work with patients who are sectioned under the Mental Health Act to uphold their rights and ensure their voices are heard when important decisions are being made that will impact their care.
If you are struggling and need some support, we are here to help. Call our Helpline or email us and we will do everything we can to help you.