The Young People's Information & Advocacy Service has two main functions.  These are :

Information

Collins definition : knowledge acquired in any manner; fact!

You may require information about your disability, your rights and your responsibilities.  This might be about school, your home, benefits, your social life or your future - whatever you would like to know - Colin will try and find out.  You can get in touch with him by email, text, phone or letter.  He can send you the information you need, or meet with you to talk about things you would like to know.

Advocacy

Collins definition : active support of a cause or course of action.

As your advocate, the Young People's Information & Advocacy Worker can do two things.  Colin can speak on your behalf to professionals, teachers, care staff or relatives if you feel uncomfortable about doing this yourself.  In doing this, he will express on your behalf the points that you feel are important to you.  Alternatively, he can help you to advocate for yourself - this might involve providing you with the confidence to express yourself, or by assisting you to communicate what you want to say in a clearer way.

Throughout both of these functions, whether it is getting information or advocating on your behalf, a big part of Colin's role will be to provide emotional support to you if you have any concerns that you need to talk about.  This may involve listening when there may not be someone else to do so.