Advocacy Focus is Rochdale’s new children’s advocacy provider

CEO of Advocacy Focus, Justine Hodgkinson

Children’s advocacy services for looked after children and children under care protection plans in Rochdale will be provided by Advocacy Focus from today, Monday 1 April.

North west based Advocacy Focus starts a two year contract with Rochdale Council to provide free and independent children’s advocacy, including a new children’s rights helpline, care leaver’s advocacy, independent visitor and missing from care return interviews.

Advocacy supports individuals to become more involved when important decisions are being made about their lives. It is especially important for children and young people in care who may have decisions made for them.

CEO of Advocacy Focus, Justine Hodgkinson, said: “We are passionate about helping children and young people have a say in the things that matter to them. Our Advocates will champion the rights of young people and ensure that every young person’s voice is heard, valued and at the centre of any decisions that affect their lives.

“Often, children in care or who may need protecting from harm have decisions made for them and the system can actually forget to do something as basic as ask them what they would like to happen. We are there to ensure they get the opportunity to communicate their thoughts, needs and wishes.”

The Rochdale contract is the second Greater Manchester win for the charity in the last year, after launching in Trafford last April. In 2018, the charity also celebrated its 20th anniversary of providing high quality advocacy services across the North-West.

Justine continued: “It is vital that children and young people feel supported and as though they are in control. Children who feel listened and supported are more likely to be honest about things like abuse or things that are affecting them. We all want the same goal – to protect children from harm and ensure they are safe, advocacy gives an opportunity to deliver an outcome that suits everyone from the social workers to the person at the centre of the decision.”

The new contract will also see lots of new opportunities for Rochdale residents to get involved, from volunteering positions to employment opportunities. Advocacy Focus are currently recruiting for a part-time Children and Young Person’s Project Worker in the area and are encouraging people to volunteer as Independent Visitors.

Justine added: “We are excited to start supporting those who need it in Rochdale and make a difference to children and young peoples’ lives.”

The contract was previously held by the Children’s Society.

• Find out more about Advocacy Focus by going to www.advocacyfocus.org.uk
• Contact the Children’s Rights Helpline on 0300 303 4170 (children and young people only)