In 2009, The Welsh Government introduced the jigsaw model of Universal Advocacy for children and young people in Wales. A pivotal part of this model was the introduction of the term ‘formal advocacy’ to refer to the way in which those working directly with children and young people can support them to get their voices heard in decisions that affect them.  

The formal advocacy role is still widely misunderstood and by many feared as an additional burden on already overstretched professionals. This Tros Gynnal Plant course dispels the myths surrounding formal advocacy and supports learners to identify and understand this part of their role not as an additional undertaking, but as something that’s already part of their practice.

Who is the course suitable for?

– Anyone who works directly with children and young people e.g. Youth Workers, Teachers, Learning Support Assistants, Group/Club leaders, Community Nurses, School Counsellors, Education Welfare Officers and many others. 
– Managers of those who work directly with children and young people.

Course Structure

– The structure of the course will be 1 taught day (9:30 – 4:30)
– The course will be delivered using a variety of learning styles to include discussion, presentation, exercises and group work.
– Learning from this course is transferable in to Tros Gynnal Plant’s accredited ‘Formal Advocacy’ course (Level 3, 7 credits). Please contact Tros Gynnal Plant for more information if you’re interested in the accredited course.

Course Costs

– The course costs £110 per learner for an open course, which includes all course materials and refreshments.
– Costs for in-house courses are negotiable depending on learner numbers, venue and administration responsibilities. If you wish to explore in-house training please contact Tros Gynnal Plant for an informal discussion.

Course Outline

The aim of this introductory course is to develop knowledge and understanding of Advocacy in order to further the progress the Universal Advocacy model in Wales. 

To this end, the course is structured in such a way that it first supports learners to identify how and when they might act as ‘formal advocates’ within their role, as the term ‘formal advocate’ is relatively new and therefore may not be completely understood by all. 

The main thrust of the course will focus on actually ‘doing’ Formal Advocacy – supporting learners to consider how they act as Formal Advocates within their role and how they support the children and young people they come in to contact with to get their voices heard.