A Tool for Children and Young People to Develop Self-Advocacy Skills and Build Resilience

This conversational tool made up of 52 cards and accompanying guidance, helps young people build their advocacy skills by establishing their own strengths and needs.

Organised into 10 categories, the cards cover additional needs, feelings and communication, how to seek help, and many more useful topics to develop resilience. There are around 150 questions which can be used flexibly by young people and facilitating adults, such as:

• What do I think I am good at/not good at?
• What support from other people do I think will help me manage on my own more easily?
• Who might I choose to speak to when things become too hard or difficult?

Developed and tested by registered educational and child psychologists, this card set enables the planning of actions which move children and young people towards achieving their full potential.

Author Bio:

Dr Leanna Lopez is a HCPC registered educational and child psychologist (BSS, PGCE, DECPsy) and a AVIGuK accredited video interaction guidance practitioner and supervisor. Leanna has worked in education in different London boroughs over a number of years. Leanna from her own experience has a special interest in how those with medical needs can be supported.

Dr Samuel Kelly is a HCPC registered educational and child psychologist (BSc, D.ED.CH.Psy) and a AVIGuK accredited video interaction guidance practitioner. Samuel currently works at an inner-London borough educational psychology service, working with children, young people and families from mainstream and special schools, children centres and the local community.