Since 2015, the Department for Education has commissioned a national advocacy helpline to support the rights of children to be heard.
- Website and online chat: https://www.nyas.net/safetynet/
- Freephone: 0808 808 1001
- Email: help@nyas.net.
- Whatsapp: 07494788875.
- Text: text NYAS to 85258.
The NYAS ‘Safety Net’ helpline service will continue the national provision of:
- Helpline advice and support.
- Signposting to local services.
- Issue-based advocacy.
- Specialist non-instructed advocacy.
- Advocacy finder service.
- Self-advocacy information.
The service accepts referrals from children and young people, professionals working with young people, friends, families, and carers.
The service will be available to:
- Children in care and care leavers up to age 25.
- Children and young people needing support from children’s services, including those on child in need plans, child protection plans, or who are 16-17 years old and homeless.
NYAS will also continue to support refugee and migrant children and young people, as well as young people in mental health settings.