NYAS advocacy
About NYAS
NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is an independent, confidential and child-led advocacy service for children and young people in Gateshead. Advocates do not work for the council, social workers, parents, carers, hospitals or residential units - they work only for you.
NYAS helps make sure your voice is heard, your views are respected, and your rights are upheld. They support you to understand decisions and be actively involved in plans about your life.
People who can access an advocate
Children and young people may have a right to statutory advocacy depending on their circumstances, including:
- being in care or a care leaver
- having physical or mental health needs
- having special educational needs or disabilities
- being involved in the youth justice system
The eligibility criteria are wide - if you're unsure, you can contact NYAS for advice.
Care leavers aged 18 to 25 also have the right to independent advocacy.
What an advocate can help you with
Advocates can:
- listen to what you want and help you share your wishes and feelings
- support you to be involved in decisions about your life
- help you understand your rights and what is happening around you
- make sure your views are heard at meetings, reviews or care planning sessions (including mental health ward rounds or CPA/CTP meetings)
- challenge or ask for decisions to be reviewed if you feel something is unfair
- help you raise concerns or make a complaint about your care or treatment
- provide information about your rights and entitlements as a care leaver (for example housing, finance, support)
NYAS provides a confidential service - they will only share information with your consent unless there is a risk of harm.
Child Protection Conference Advocacy
If you have been invited to a Child Protection Conference, NYAS can:
- meet with you beforehand to talk through your views
- explain your rights and what will happen in the meeting
- support you to say how you feel
- attend the meeting with you - or speak on your behalf if you don't want to attend
- help you understand the decisions made about you
Mental Health Advocacy
If you're in a hospital or mental health setting, NYAS advocates can:
- help you understand your rights
- support you to have a say in care planning, ward rounds or reviews
- help you raise concerns about your care or treatment
- support you to access specialist advocacy such as IMHA or IMCA services
What NYAS believes in
NYAS works to ensure:
- every child and young person has the right to be heard
- every child has the right to feel safe
- every child has the right to be involved in decisions made about them
Their values include being collaborative, accountable, respectful and empowering.
How to get help
You can contact NYAS directly:
NYAS free helpline: 0808 808 1001 (free and confidential)
Email: [email protected]
Professionals and young people can refer through the NYAS website. Complete the online referral form (opens new window).
You can also ask your social worker or a trusted adult to contact NYAS on your behalf.