Advocacy
Advocates are people who can provide information on your rights, can provide support for you to express your views or can speak on your behalf, or on behalf of your child. This can be very useful for medical and educational meetings, particularly if you are having challenges or your concerns are not being listened to or addressed.
The Scottish Government sets out that ‘Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) makes very clear that every child has the right to say what they think in all matters affecting them, and to have their views taken seriously. Advocacy helps to make that right a reality for those children and young people who, for whatever reason, would not otherwise be able or allowed to share their views about something.’ https://www.gov.scot/publications/childrens-advocacy-guidance/
The organisations listed below all offer professional advocacy services.
- Equal Say: provide advocacy for adults age 16+ across Glasgow and surrounding areas (including North and South Lanarkshire). They also run a project for parents who have a learning disability: https://www.equalsay.org/projects/advocacy-for-adults/
- Equals Advocacy Partnership: provides independent advocacy (one-to-one, collective and non-instructed) for people age 65+ in North Lanarkshire. For more information call 01698 327772 or email: admin@equalsadvocacy.org.uk
- Mindroom: provide advocacy for neurodivergent young people up to age 25: https://www.mindroom.org/help-and-support/children-and-young-people/
- Who Cares Scotland: for young people with additional support needs up to age 18, and all Care Experienced young people up to age 26: https://www.whocaresscotland.org/get-support/advocacy/