Advocacy and Independent Visitors Service
Support for children and young people.
The Advocacy and Independent Visitors Service for Luton Borough Council is provided by the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS).
About NYAS
NYAS is a children's rights organisation. Established over 35 years ago, it was one of the main organisations involved in establishing an advocacy service for looked after children and young people and care leavers. It is now one of the largest children’s advocacy providers in England and Wales, providing over 75 services and with over 300 sessional advocates nationally.
NYAS recruits advocates from a wide variety of backgrounds, including those with expertise of working with children and young people with disabilities, communication issues, and mental health problems. It is also one of the largest providers of Independent Visitor services for looked after children, with over 25 services across England and Wales.
All their Advocates and Independent Visitors are provided with training accredited to Level 3 through the OCN and are recruited by Safer Recruitment processes.
Who does NYAS support?
NYAS provides Independent Visitors and Advocates for:
- looked after children
- care leavers
- children and young people "in need".
Referrals
Referrals for Advocacy and Independent Visitors can be made by children and young people themselves, carers or professionals.
NYAS asks that young people are aware of the referral and have consented to it, and wherever possible, are encouraged to contact one of advisors directly.
Contact
Advisors speak several languages, and also have access to Language Line support.
Helpline
The Helpline is open from 9am to 8pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.
Freephone: 0808 808 1001