What it is: A group of advisers that match children to the services they
need
Goal: To help children and families get hold of appropriate services
quickly
Funding: Birmingham Children's Fund
Contact: The National Youth Advocacy Service, 0808 808 1001,
www.nyas.net
A disabled young girl wanted a homework club, but couldn't find one thatmet her needs. So she rang the Birmingham Signposting Service, whichquickly found her the right one. The service also found a six-year-oldboy a football team to play for after he was kicked off his original onefor not being good enough.
Friendly advice and information is something all five- to 13-year-oldsneed, and this is what the Birmingham Signpost Service provides. Ithelps with any problems children have. Working in the community it triesto ensure that all children have equal access to support and activitiesavailable in the city.
The group also works with Birmingham City Council to improve localservices.
Elena Fowler, chief executive of the National Youth Advocacy Service,which runs the project, says: "If we can't find a service that childrenneed we can show the commissioners there are gaps in the services. Wecan map and plot what the demand for services is and where the gapsare."
The service aims to keep children involved. Pupils from Birminghamschools, for example, have made a DVD and set up a web site. Theseencourage children to travel safely, whether walking or using publictransport.
It also organises regular events to help children make friends anddiscuss sensitive issues such as bullying or health.
Everyone in the community can be involved. "Young volunteers fromcolleges help to spread the word to community groups," says Fowler.
By keeping in touch with other services in Birmingham, the service hopesto give the best help to each child who contacts them. And although theChildren's Fund focuses on children in most need, the service will helpany child.
What next: The Children's Fund money ends in 2008, so the project isworking with Birmingham City Council to try and make the service part ofmainstream provision.
