Speak Up

All young people have the right to spend time with their family and friends, unless it is not safe to do so. All professionals know how important this can be.

You might sometimes hear workers talk about 'contact' but this just means seeing your family and friends. All arrangements to see your family are discussed with you and in your review meetings, and they are one of the things included in your care plan.

It's important that you let someone know what you want from seeing your family and friends, how it is going or if anything needs changing. If you're unhappy with arrangements, you can talk to your social worker or an advocate from Speak Up.

If you can’t see your family

Sometimes it may not be a good idea for you to see someone. If this happens, your social worker should always explain why you're not able to see someone.

Social workers can ask the court for an order to stop people from seeing you if they think it will be harmful to you.

Even if you can’t see someone, you may still be able to get photographs, letters or cards from them. That way, if you want to, you can still remember them and know that they remember you.

If you don’t want to see someone

If you're worried about having to see someone, including your parents or other family members, then you have the right to say you do not want to.

You must tell your carer or social worker if you do not want to see someone and they can support you to find the best way forward.

Additional information for young refugees

All young people have the right to communicate with their family and friends, unless it's not safe to do so. Your foster carer/key worker and social worker know how important this is and will support you to do this.

If you have family and friends in the UK who you would like to see, your foster carer/key worker and social worker can help to arrange this.

Sometimes it may not be a good idea for you to communicate with a member of your family or a friend. If this happens, your social worker should always explain why you are not able to communicate with them.

Refugee Action York

There is a support service called Refugee Action York (RAY) which you might want to explore. 

RAY provide lots of opportunities to make friendships. These are available to all asylum seekers, refugees and migrant families and individuals in York.

They also arrange groups and activities for young people.

RAY Youth Club is for secondary school age young people. There are a lot of different activities at their sessions, including games, sports, arts and crafts, cooking, baking, movie nights, and trips to fun new places.

RAY Sports Club is for secondary school age young people. There are lots of different sports to try and they also take trips so you can try other new and exciting sports.

See more information about RAY clubs on their website.