young person's project
 

 date started

  • November 2002

funding ends

  • March 2011

 funding agency

  • BBC Children in Need

long term chances

  • too early to say

geographic 

  • Newcastle & Stoke on Trent

service user group

  • Young people aged 12 - 18 with a disability, living in care 
    or who are young carers

who to contact

  • Mary-Ann Summerton
    Asist, Winton House, 
    Stoke Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2RW

telephone

  •  01782-845584

email

 about the project
This project provides advocacy for young people in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle who are 12 to 18 years old, with disabilities or a mental health need, those who are ‘looked after’ by social services, or those who are young carers.
It may seem obvious that young people between 12 to 18 years can voice their opinions without any help or support but what if they find it difficult or frightening to speak up? Some young people may have lots of adults making decisions about their lives and this may make saying what they think even harder.
Advocacy is when one person helps another to have their concerns, views, wishes and opinions heard by others. It is needed when the person feels not listened to, not asked and not informed of the decisions that others are making about their life.
As the Young Person’s Advocate I can find out information and give time for young people to think about what they want to say. Then I can support them to say it or be their voice at meetings.
The service is free and is independent from the council, education authority, health authority or social services.
So, if you are aged 12 to 18 years, live in Stoke-on-Trent or Newcastle and either have a disability or mental health need, are ‘looked after’ or are a young carer, you (or a person who cares for you) can ask for an advocate.