About The Project
MAPS Advocacy supports children and young people to have their voices heard and make sure their views, wishes and rights are understood.
Our Volunteer Advocates provide independent support to young people who may need help understanding or communicating with children's services and other professionals.
The service is delivered by Volunteer Centre Sutton as a delivery partner of Together For Sutton.
What We Do
Our Volunteer Advocates work directly with young people to understand what matters to them and help them communicate their views.
Advocates can:
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Meet with the young person to listen to and record their views and wishes.
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Help the young person understand their rights.
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Explain children's services' processes and what to expect.
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Explain the purpose of meetings and who will be attending.
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Explain what will be discussed at meetings.
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Help the young person communicate effectively with services.
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Support the young person to seek resolution to issues or concerns.
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Make sure the young person understands decisions that have been made about them.
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Support young people to attend meetings.
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.
Our Volunteer 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.
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
