Social Services should have a Guide written for young people on their services with useful advice on how and where to get help.
Information on local solicitors or independent advice and law centres with links to the Community Legal Service is available on 0845 608 1122 or you can search:
Citizens Advice Bureaux can tell you about national and local schemes for young people. Call 020 7833 2181 for details of your nearest CAB or search:
Youth Access is a national network of local advice and counselling centres working with young people. Tel: 020 8772 9900.
Health
NHS Direct provides a 24 hour nurse-led confidential helpline. Tel: 0845 4647. Here are some other useful sources of information:
A National Voice an organisation for young people in care and those who have left care. 23 New Mount Street, Manchester M4 4DE. Tel. 0161 953 4011. E-mail:
The Who Cares? Linkline offers confidential help and advice to anyone in care at present, or in the past. Freecall 0500 564570 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (3.30pm-6.00pm). The Linkline is run by The Who Cares? Trust, which works to improve public care for children and young people. Kemp House, 152-160 City Road, London EC1V 2NP. Tel: 020 7251 3117. E-mail:
First Key work to improve the life chances of all care leavers. They provide training for care leavers to help carry out research and give talks; provide a regular newsletter, KeyNotes; and can respond to enquiries on the Children (Leaving Care) Act. Tel: 0113 244 3898 or 020 7700 8130 or 024 7671 6259. E-mail them at:
Children's Legal Centre offers free, confidential advice on anything to do with the law. Tel: 01206 873820 Mon-Fri (10.00am-12.30pm and 2.00pm-4.30pm), or write to them at: University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ.
Children's Rights Officers and Advocates offer independent advice and support. For details of your nearest service, Tel: 020 8748 7413, or write to: CROA, c/o Save the Children, 2nd Floor, Cambridge House, Cambridge Grove, London W6 0LE.
National Youth Advocacy Service offers someone who will listen and speak up for young people. Tel: 0151 342 7852 (freephone 0800 616101 - weekdays 3.30pm-5.30pm & weekend 2.00pm-8.00pm) or write to: FREEPOST NYAS, Heswall, Wirall CH60 5RG.
Fostering Network (previously known as the National Foster Care Association). Tel: 020 7620 6400.
Voice for the Child in Care provides a network of support to young people in care and offers a representative to young people in secure accommodation: Tel: 020 7833 5792 or write to: VCC, Unit 4, Pride Court, 80-83 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF.
