Advocacy

NYAS offers individual advocacy and a range of information, advice and support to ensure your voice is heard when decisions are being made about children, young people and some adults at risk.

Did you know NYAS has a network of 350 independent advocates who provide advocacy to:

Children in care or children who are subject to a child protection plan.
Care leavers and care experienced mothers.
Children and young people who are in-patients in mental health settings.

Children with disabilities.
Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) to children, young people and adults detained under the Mental Health Act.
Advocacy to children, young people and parents in Wales.

Ruth’s Story

“Hi I am Ruth. I am 16 and I live with my sister Jane. I couldn’t stay living with my mum because she has serious alcohol problems and lives with a violent man.

My sister wanted to be sure I could stay with her and she needed to see if she could get any help as she doesn’t earn a lot of money and I needed food and clothes.

NYAS helped us go to social services and get them to approve me staying with Jane. They also helped me sort out support from school as I had missed some lessons and made sure Jane got the financial help that is available for carers.

Now I feel safe knowing no one will try to separate me from Jane.”