Successful bid to extend our work with young people
- Jan 10
- 1 min read
Updated: Jan 19
We have been awarded a four-year grant from the Henry Smith Shout! fund that will enable us to offer independent advocacy to young people who have a learning disability/neurodivergence.
The funding will expand our services so that we can support young people aged 14–18 who have a learning disability/neurodivergence and would benefit from person-led, independent advocacy during the transition from children's to adult services.
David Woolley, Chief Executive at Your Voice Counts, said:
“We want to help young people to be better prepared for the challenging transition from children’s to adult services. We know this is a period of change that can be incredibly complex and daunting but independent, person-led advocacy can equip people with the skills and confidence they need to make choices and speak up for themselves.
"This funding represents an important step forward in ensuring young people who have a learning disability/neurodivergence are supported to shape their own futures and we are incredibly grateful to the Henry Smith Foundation for their support and belief in our work."
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This is such an encouraging initiative, especially with the focus on extending independent advocacy for young people with learning disabilities and neurodivergence. The four-year funding support can make a real difference by helping young people understand their rights, express their views, make informed decisions, and navigate the often challenging transition into adult services. It is also great to see the emphasis on person-led support and giving young people a stronger voice in decisions that affect their lives. Flexible educational support can be equally valuable for those balancing studies with other responsibilities, making options to take my class online relevant for students who need more flexibility while working toward their academic goals.
This is wonderful news for young people with learning disabilities and neurodivergence. Expanding access to independent, person-led advocacy during the transition from children's to adult services will help many young people build confidence, make informed decisions, and have a stronger voice in shaping their futures. It's encouraging to see organizations investing in inclusive support, and a NAATI Translator can also help make important information like this accessible to families and individuals from diverse language backgrounds.
Congratulations on securing this four-year grant! Expanding independent advocacy services for young people with learning disabilities and neurodivergence will make a meaningful difference during the transition to adult services. Empowering young people to make informed choices and speak up for themselves is truly valuable. While unrelated to this announcement, a Police Clearance Certificate is an important official document often required for employment, volunteering, travel, or immigration. Wishing your team continued success with this impactful initiative.