Your Voice Counts awarded new Gateshead advocacy contract

Your Voice Counts has been awarded a new contract by Gateshead Council to continue delivering statutory advocacy services in Gateshead, alongside an expanded offer that includes general advocacy, a self-advocacy grants scheme and new opportunities for co-production.

The new contract begins today (1 October 2026) and builds on Your Voice Counts’ strong track record of delivering independent advocacy services across Gateshead for several years.

As part of the new contract, Your Voice Counts will provide general advocacy in Gateshead for the first time, meaning more people can access independent advocacy support, including those who may not be eligible for a statutory advocacy service.

Gateshead Council has also introduced an annual self-advocacy grants scheme, alongside opportunities for people to have greater involvement in shaping and developing services through co-production.

David Woolley, Chief Executive of Your Voice Counts, said: “Gateshead Council’s new advocacy contract marks a fantastic step forward for advocacy in our region. We’re particularly pleased to see the council’s commitment to listening to people by drawing on their views and experiences to shape the new contract.

“By including general advocacy, more people will be able to benefit from advocacy support, while the new self-advocacy grants and co-production elements will create further opportunities for people to have their voices heard and influence the services that affect their lives.

“Together, these developments demonstrate how advocacy is evolving to meet the changing needs of our communities, while staying true to what is at the heart of advocacy - putting people’s voices, views and experiences at the centre. Your Voice Counts has a strong track record as an experienced advocacy provider, and we’re delighted to have secured this contract and to continue our partnership with Gateshead Council for the benefit of people who need our support.”

Councillor Col Daughtry, cabinet member for Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council, said: “Putting people at the heart of their own care is one of the most important things we can do to support our communities to thrive.

“This is more than just a new contract for the council – it’s a significant change in how people access advocacy support and shows our dedication to co-producing Adult Social Care services with the people who use them.

“Working with Your Voice Counts, we are proud to be making advocacy more accessible to our residents than ever before.”

Anyone currently receiving support from Your Voice Counts will continue to receive support without disruption to their service.

Your Voice Counts and Gateshead Council are now working together to develop the new contract and look forward to sharing more details about these in the new year.

For more information about Your Voice Counts’ advocacy services, including how to make a referral, visit www.yvc.org.uk/advocacy

For any queries about advocacy, contact the Central Support Team at Your Voice Counts on 0191 478 6472, freephone 0300 303 1248 or email yvc.uk@nhs.net.