About The Project
MAPS Advocacy supports children and young people to have their voices heard and make sure their views and wishes are represented in the decisions that affect them.
We provide independent support to young people who may need help understanding or communicating with Children's Services and other professionals in their lives.
The service is delivered by Volunteer Centre Sutton as a delivery partner of Together For Sutton.
What We Do
Our Professional and Volunteer Advocates work directly with young people to understand what matters to them and help them communicate their views on the issues that they are facing.
How We Help
Having an Advocate can help a young person feel more confident, informed and involved when decisions are being made about their lives. It can empower them to take a more active role in the decision-making process.
Our Advocates help young people to:
- Have their voice heard
- We listen to what the young person wants and make sure their views and wishes are communicated.
- Understand their rights
- We help young people understand their rights and what support they are entitled to.
- Understand what is happening
- We explain meetings, processes and decisions in a clear and accessible way.
- Communicate with services
- We support young people to communicate their views and concerns with children's services and other professionals.
- Take part in decisions
- We help young people understand decisions that affect them and support them to participate in relevant meetings.
- Complain when necessary
- We support young people to seek resolution to issues or concerns and where necessary, to complain about the care or service they have received.
Read an update on MAPS Advocacy from our Impact Report 2025 - 2026
Beneficiary Feedback
"From the beginning my Advocate was consistent and ensured i understood everything that was happening in my situation. She always made sure i understood the decisions and options that was given to me."
M (Young Person)
Get Involved
Would you like to support a young person to have their voice heard?
We are looking for volunteers to become MAPS Volunteer Advocates. This is an opportunity to make a positive difference by helping young people understand their rights, express their views and participate in decisions that affect them.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a MAPS Volunteer Advocate, please email the Advocacy Team: advocacy@vcsutton.org.uk
Contact Us
For more information or any questions about MAPS Advocacy, please contact the MAPS team at Volunteer Centre Sutton.
Email: advocacy@vcsutton.org.uk
