Young people can get advice about legal issues, housing, immigration, debt or benefits claims. The Advocacy Service can help with appeals, reviews or complaints. However, young people may simply feel that they need someone to 'fight their corner' with a problem that is not about legal or practical issues. This may be when they feel their wishes are not being listened to or their rights not being considered. For instance, they may be being bullied and no one is listening to them. Whatever the issue, we can represent their point of view, make complaints on their behalf, accompany them to meetings and push to get the protection that they need. Young people will practice the skills they need to represent themselves and their point of view in future. When they feel ready to represent themselves we can be there to support them.

Any young person wanting support from our Advocacy Officer can phone Alone in London to discuss this and arrange a time to come in to talk.

Many receive no support at all from their families, do not have the will or motivation to engage authorities on their own, and have difficulties negotiating the legal and bureaucratic procedures involved.

They can reach the point where they do not attend appointments, open official letters or even turn up for court appearances, which can result in them having warrants issued against them.

Advocacy involves supporting young poeple with basic but critical tasks such as