What is Independent Advocacy?
Who Cares? Scotland provides independent advocacy by working one on one with a young person to help them have a say in what is happening to them. We provide professional, independent advocacy services in most local authority areas in Scotland. We strive to provide advocacy that helps young people feel respected, included, listened to and understood.
We’re independent to any care services you might receive – this is crucial because we want young people to be supported and understood with no conflict of interest.
We also believe independent advocacy should be available to Care Experienced people, in some form, as a lifelong offer – which is why we created our Helpline. Visit our Helpline page to find out more.
What is an Advocacy and Participation Worker?
At Who Cares? Scotland, our advocates are called Advocacy and Participation workers, which is sometimes shortened to APWs.
Our advocates can help you speak to your social worker, carers, Children’s Panel members or teachers. Our advocates can support you to make your views heard or may sometimes speak on your behalf.
How can advocacy help you?
By working alongside our advocates, you will increase your knowledge of your rights, we will work towards building your confidence to expressing your views, ensuring that you are involved in decisions about your life.
We have advocates in 28 of Scotland’s local authorities. If we do not have an advocate in your area, visit the SIAA website to find out who provides advocacy where you live.
What is Children’s Hearing System (CHS) Advocacy?
Going to a Children’s Hearing?
Did you know you free advocacy support is now available for all children and young people attending Children’s Hearings, no matter where you live in Scotland?
Who Cares? Scotland is one of the organisations who provide advocacy for Children’s Hearings. Find out who the CHS advocacy provider in your local area is by clicking the map block below or visit the CHS website.
To find out about your rights in a Children’s Hearing, visit the children or young people sections of the SCRA website.
What is Independent Advocacy?
Who Cares? Scotland provides professional, independent advocacy services in most local authority areas in Scotland. We work one on one with a young person to help you have a say in what is happening to you. We strive to provide advocacy that helps young people feel respected, included, listened to and understood.
We’re independent to any care services you might receive – this is crucial because we want young people to be supported and understood with no conflict of interest.
We also believe independent advocacy should be available to Care Experienced people, in some form, as a lifelong offer – which is why we created our Helpline. Visit our Helpline page to find out more.
What is an Advocacy and Participation Worker?
At Who Cares? Scotland, our advocates are called Advocacy and Participation workers, which is sometimes shortened to APWs.
Our advocates can help you speak to your social worker, carers, Children’s Panel members or teachers. Our advocates can support you to make your views heard or may sometimes speak on your behalf.
How can advocacy help you?
By working alongside our advocates, you will increase your knowledge of your rights, we will work towards building your confidence to expressing your views, ensuring that you are involved in decisions about your life.
We have advocates in 28 of Scotland’s local authorities. If we do not have an advocate in your area, visit the SIAA website to find out who provides advocacy where you live.
What is Children’s Hearing System (CHS) Advocacy?
Going to a Children’s Hearing?
Did you know you free advocacy support is now available for all children and young people attending Children’s Hearings, no matter where you live in Scotland?
Who Cares? Scotland is one of the organisations who provide advocacy for Children’s Hearings. Find out who the CHS advocacy provider in your local area is by clicking the map block below or visit the CHS website.
To find out about your rights in a Children’s Hearing, visit the children or young people sections of the SCRA website.
Find out about advocacy in your local area
Select your local authority to find out more.
Other Providers
Kibble
Our advocates at Kibble are – Jemma Kane 07540 823 286
and Sarah Herbert 07849 086 681
The Good Shepherd Centre
Our advocate at The Good Shepherd Centre is – Sorcha Tams 07598 580 320
Sycamore (Aberlour)
Our advocate at Sycamore is – Joanne Hunter 07522 557 050
Your Privacy
During your advocacy relationship with us, we will keep all your personal information you share with us private, unless we believe you or others might be at risk. If we need to break confidentiality, we will let you know that we need to do it and why.
