ROUTE1Advocacy is looking for volunteers in Somerset to join its scheme and support young people in care.

Through the Route1Advocacy scheme, advocates might help write a letter, make a phone call, or go to a meeting by providing ‘the fast lane to the child’s voice’.

Julia, from Bridgwater, completed her Route 1 Advocacy training in 2021.

She said: “In the role of an advocate I know that I can help make a difference in children’s lives and it’s so interesting and rewarding.”

Route 1 Advocacy has a bank of volunteer 126 advocates supporting short-term commitment to a particular child.

Additionally, 68 trained Independent Visitors are matched to provide a highly valued service that can be life-changing for a vulnerable young person and even for the volunteers themselves.

Building trust, supportive relationships, and friendship sometimes can last many years.

There are children who are waiting for a match with a long-term commitment (visiting twice a month for two years).

Advocacy is available to all children and young people receiving services from Children’s Social Care in Somerset. Full training is provided by Route1 Advocacy.

Use your life skills and experience to help children and young people whilst receiving high-quality training, making new friends, and becoming part of the Route1 family.

If you would like to consider becoming a volunteer, please contact route1advocacy@somerset. gov.uk, or call us on 01749 822 801 to arrange a meeting to explain both roles.