New service helps young (From Barry And District News)

New service helps young

A NEW service has been launched by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to support young people who are away from their families.

The Vale Advocacy and Independent Visitor Project, which trains volunteers to befriend children in care, was launched at Barry Memorial Hall recently.

The launch was attended by guests including Vale of Glamorgan AM and Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt, and Assistant Children's Commissioner Rhian Davies.

The event aimed to raise awareness of the new Advocacy Service and the need to recruit volunteers who will form relationships with looked after children who have little or no contact with their families.

The Vale Advocacy and Independent Visitor Project is being commissioned by the Vale Council and run by children's charity Spurgeons.

Amanda Green, Children's Complaints Officer for the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "Advocacy helps young people by making sure their voices are heard and their wishes are respected.

As part of the launch event for the Vale Advocacy and Independent Visitor Project, the Vale of Glamorgan Council also launched a new freephone number for children and young people.

The number - 0800 389 8892 - allows children to contact the council's children's complaints service free of charge.