If needed we can help you to enrol on the electoral register, this is important so you can vote in local and national elections, to have your voice heard.
There are opportunities for care leavers to get involved in the polling day action with paid employment opportunities on the polling days. You don’t need any specific qualifications be part of the voting event. Please speak to your personal advisor if you are interested in this.
Advocacy
Independent advocates can inform you about your rights and help you to be heard in meetings. Advocacy means helping you to express your views and making sure that these views are taken seriously.
For more information please visit Barnardo's Southend Services.
Compliments, complaints and requesting your information
Compliments
It's nice to know when we're getting things right, and that people are happy with our services. You can share your views with the Council directly, who will record your compliment and then share it with the individual or team that you are complimenting. Compliments are also shared with senior managers who congratulate the staff involved.
For more information please visit our comments and compliments page.
Complaints
We want to encourage young people to express their views and be heard. We will listen and you will not be judged for making a complaint. We want to learn when we do not get it right, to make sure our services improve and focus on the needs of young people. We have a three-stage procedure for dealing with formal complaints. We have a complaints form and guidance booklet available.
How to request information about yourself
Data protection law allows you the right to access the personal data we hold about you. Usually, people simply want to be given a copy of their information. This is known as a Subject Access Request (SAR). A request must normally be made in writing, although we have a standard form for you to use, you are not obliged to do so.
Further information
Our individual rights of data subjects policies and proceduress policy explains more about your rights and how we will fulfil them.