Relationships (care leavers)
Having strong and supportive relationships will be really important for you as you move to independent adult life.
As well as support from your Young Person's Advisor, we may be able to give you extra practical and emotional support such as:
- providing you with a mentor/peer mentor
- helping you to keep or regain contact with people special to you or who cared for you in the past, like former foster carers, independent visitors or social workers
- support to reconnect with family if it is in your best interests
Get someone to speak for you
You might need someone to act on your behalf, known as an advocate. Advocates can support and listen to you if you feel your wishes and feelings are not being heard by your social worker, carers or anyone else involved in decisions about your care and welfare. They can go with you to meetings, if you want them to, and help you to tell people what you want, or speak for you if you don't want to.
Your YPA can help you to get in touch with one.
The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) - young person's website has lots of information about advocacy support.
- Contact Young People's Service
- careleavers@durham.gov.uk
- 03000 262 289
