Provision of All Age Statutory and Non-Statutory Advocacy Services

1.3 Sefton Council intends to commission a new Advocacy Hub model under a three-year contract, with the potential to extend for up to two additional 12-month periods. The aim of this arrangement is to ensure that the voices of Sefton residents are heard, understood, and meaningfully considered in relation to local health and social care services. The Advocacy Hub will provide a coordinated, independent, and person-led advocacy service that empowers individuals to express their views, secure their rights, and influence decisions about their care and support.

The aims of the Service are: • To deliver a Children's Independent Visiting and Advocacy Service by providing Children and Young people with awareness of and access to services, which are their legal right • To improve the quality of and increase access to Independent Visitors for looked after children and young people • To support the National Independent Visiting Standards and carry out influencing work to increase access to quality Independent Visiting Services and advocacy support for children in Sefton and those placed out of borough • To provide advice and information to Children and Young People so they are empowered to ensure their views and wishes are heard; their rights respected and reflected in the decision-making about their lives, in order to assist them in making a balanced decision regarding their welfare and support • To provide an Independent Visitor to advise and befriend when considered to be in their best interests