Advocacy and support
Be Heard – Children and Young People’s Hub
Child Friendly Warwickshire aims to make Warwickshire a county where children and young people are heard. Learn how children and young people can share their opinions and priorities, influence decision-making, and help shape services across Warwickshire.
There are a wide variety of programmes young people can get involved with including IMPACT - a forum for young people with SEND, Warwickshire Youth Council, Warwickshire Members of Youth Parliament, Care Leavers Forum and Children in Care Council.
Coventry and Warwickshire Children’s Rights Service
Coventry and Warwickshire Children’s Rights Service offers the following services to children in care, those who are leaving care, young people who are being supported by social services, are homeless and aged 16-17, or any young person who would like to make a complaint:
- An advocate who will represent your wishes and feelings, help you understand the decisions being made about you and aim to help you get the outcomes you want.
- A volunteer befriender or Independent Visitor, who will get to know you and develop a long-term friendship to help you build your confidence in the community and share your interests.
VoiceAbility
VoiceAbility supports people in Warwickshire and Coventry to have their voice heard and their rights respected. The service provides free, independent and confidential advocacy for the following:
- Independent Mental Health Advocacy
- Relevant Person’s Representative
- Care Act Advocacy
- Rule 1.2 Representative
- Experts by Experience
- General health advocacy
National Youth Advocacy Service
The National Youth Advocacy Service is here for children, young people and adults across England and Wales who need someone to support them. Their advocates make sure that the views, wishes and feelings of young people and adults in vulnerable situations are represented, heard and respected.
Ask, Listen, Do
Ask, Listen, Do self-advocates have written free resources for people with a learning disability and autistic people. The resources aim to help young people raise their feedback, concerns and complaints in health, social care and education.
Warwickshire SENDIASS
Warwickshire SENDIASS is a free, independent and confidential service for young people aged 16-25 who have special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) and their parents. Young people 16 and over can speak with an adviser independently or with their parent carer.
Warwickshire Wellbeing Service
Warwickshire Wellbeing Service is here to empower individuals with a learning disability or autism aged 16 and over. The service offers a wide range of information, advice, and support to help you live your best life and achieve your dreams. They understand that living with a learning disability or autism can be challenging, and that's why they are dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space where you can feel supported and empowered.
Warwickshire Victim Support
Warwickshire Victim Support provides emotional and practical help to all children and young people who have been affected by crime in Warwickshire.
Childline
Childline offers free, confidential advice and support to anyone 18 or under, whatever your worry, whenever you need help.
Warwickshire County Councillors
Councillors provide a bridge between the community and the council. As well as being an advocate for local residents and signposting them to the right people at the council, you will need to keep them informed about the issues that affect them.
Local councillors are elected every four years to represent the residents of Warwickshire on the County Council.