Personal advisors

When you turn 16 a PA will be allocated to you. Your PA will keep in contact and arrange meetings with you, they will visit you at home but can also arrange to see you in the community. Your PA is there to give you advice, information and guidance to help you make the best decisions.

If you are unhappy about the plans or support you get, you can speak to your PA about it. You also have a right to an advocacy service to help you say what you are not happy with and challenge any decisions.

Gateshead's Children's Rights Officer can help you with this or you can access an independent advocate such as the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS).

Links to who can help listing

Children's Rights Officer
Email: rights@gateshead.gov.uk
0191 433 2647 or 07795 021819

National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)
www.nyas.net (opens new window) 
0808 808 1001

Make the most of your PA and stay in contact with them.

If you don't engage or speak up, decisions will be made without you. This may mean that things will happen that you do not want.

Make sure you are clear about what you want - it's your life after all.