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Cymraeg
Young Wrexham

Law & Rights

We all have the right to live in a safe, secure environment where we can achieve our ambitions, and we all have a responsibility to help to create that environment.

The Welsh Assembly Government wants every young person in Wales aged 11 to 25 to have the same rights or entitlements (things you are allowed/should have/have a right to). Rights come with responsibilities – for adults and for young people. The Assembly thinks young people should be entitled to opportunities and choice.

Equality

In Wales and elsewhere in the United Kingdom, there are laws against discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or age.

The aim of these laws is to ensure that you have equal rights and that you are treated fairly in situations such as school or college and the workplace. These laws also protect your rights to equal and fair treatment when you are renting or buying property, and in other situations.

You also have a responsibility to comply with these laws and to treat people fairly.

Racism

Racism is when a person is abused because of their race. Racist attacks can be verbal and physical. It is also a crime to abuse someone or spread racial hatred in written form. All forms of racism can be extremely damaging. They can leave people feeling very scared, outcast, humiliated and angry.

It is important to remember that we live in a multicultural society and racism only helps to divide communities.

If you are suffering or have suffered from racism contact your local police station. Alternatively you can get a copy of Racial Discrimination - Your rights from Commuity Legal Service on 0845 3000 343.

Bullying

Bullying affects a lot of young people and can have long lasting effects. Bullying takes in lots of forms whether it is verbal, physical, through text messages or on messenger services on your computer. They are all hurtful. Get to know more about how you can beat the bullies by contacting the organisations below:

Homophobic Bullying

If you are being bullied because you're gay. Raising awareness of homophobia in schools.

Internet Safety

The internet is great for accessing information, chatting between friends and can give you lots of opportunities, however there can be some dangers to using it, for example some people do lie on social network sites. To be totally clued up and know how to use the internet and chatrooms safely log onto:

If you want to report anything that makes you feel uncomfortable eg a conversation online with a person you think is an adult who is trying to meet you for sex then talk to your parent/guardian or someone you can trust, or you can log onto thinkuknow.co.uk.

If you see anything you think is illegal such as images of child abuse or anything about racial hatred again speak to someone you can trust or log onto internet watch foundation.

Local Contacts

INFO

Help and advice for young people on a wide range of issues including Law and Rights.

11.30am - 5.30pm Monday/Wednesday/Friday
11.30am - 4.30pm Tuesday/Thursday

INFO
2 North Arcade
Chester Street
Wrexham
LL13 8BB

01978 358900
infoshop@wrexham.gov.uk

North Wales Police

0845 607 1001 (Welsh)
0845 607 1002 (English)
01978 290222 (Wrexham Division)

Child Protection

Advice for children and young people.

Victim Support

Independent, free and confidential, practical help and emotional support to help victims, their families and friends cope with crime, also supports witnesses attending court.

01978 294605

Second Voice Advocacy Service

Advocacy service for young people living in Wrexham aged 11 to 25.

INFO
2 North Arcade
Chester Street
Wrexham
LL13 8BB

01978 358900

secondvoice@wrexham.gov.uk

National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)

This is a child and young person's rights and advocacy service which gives help to those who receive services from the Department. They will help sort out your problems in the best and quickest way.

If you're unhappy with an answer you've received from your Social Worker or member of staff, NYAS will help you make a complaint this is called advocacy. The advocate will talk to you, work out what you want to say and will talk on your behalf.

Children's Rights Officer
NYAS
84 High Street
Mold
Flintshire
CH7 1AW

Helpline: 0800 616101
nyascymru@nyas.net

Wrexham Women's Aid

A leading provider of services for vulnerable women and children experiencing domestic abuse in Wales. They provide information, support and emergency accommodation.

10am - 2pm, Monday - Friday

Wrexham Women's Aid
The Coach House
Rhosddu Road
Wrexham
LL11 1EB

01978 310203 (24 hours)
womensaid@wrexham.connectfree.co.uk

Wrexham Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

For help with debt, money and budgeting. The CAB offers practical, reliable, up-to-date information on a wide range of topics including benefits, housing, employment, debt, consumer and legal issues. Visit their website or phone to make an appointment at a local office.

9.30am - 2pm Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday

Wrexham Citizens Advice Bureau
35 Grosvenor Road
Wrexham
LL11 1BT

01978 364639

National Contacts

Canllaw Online

National information website for young people in Wales.

Clic Online

National youth information website funded by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG).

Funky Dragon

Funky Dragon – the Children and Young People's Assembly for Wales – is a peer-led organisation. Our aim is to give 0 – 25 year olds the opportunity to get their voices heard on issues that affect them. The opportunity to participate and be listened to is a fundamental right under the United Nations Convention Rights of the Child. Funky Dragon will try to represent as wide a range as possible and work with decision-makers to achieve change.

Children’s Commissioner for Wales

A Children's Commissioner is sometimes described as a children’s champion and an independent human rights institution for children. Exactly what a Children's Commissioner does, and how they do it, varies from country to country - but they always have the interests of children and young people at heart.

If you think your rights – or those of a child or young person you're concerned about – aren't being respected, you can contact the Children's Commissioner. Maybe we can help you – or at least point you in the direction of someone who can.

Children's Commissioner for Wales
Penrhos Manor
Oak Drive
Colwyn Bay
Conwy
LL29 7YW

01492 523333
Fax: 01492 523336
post@childcomwales.org.uk

Save The Children

Young people's views should be listened to and taken seriously. If they are outraged by the situation faced by millions of children around the world, then we encourage them to act for change. Check out our young campaigners page for ideas and information to help young people get their voices heard – at schools, in their community or by governments.

HeadsUp

HeadsUp is a place where young people can debate political issues and current affairs. But it's not just about talking, it's about getting something done.

British Youth Council

As the National Youth Council of the UK, we aim to support all young people in the UK to exercise your right to participate in decisions which affect you and to have a voice on issues about which you have a strong opinion.

Liberty

Liberty promotes equality and human rights. They have a telephone helpline to assist people who are suffering from all types of discrimination. The service is free and confidential. 020 7403 3888 It is open Monday and Thursday 6pm to 8pm and Wednesday 12.30 - 2.30pm.

Britkid

This website is about 'race' and racism. It is intended as an educational tool for use mainly in areas where young people do not have frequent contact with minority ethnic groups (though no doubt it will be of interest to others too).

ChildLine0800 1111

ChildLine is the free helpline for children and young people in the UK. They will discuss any problems a young person may have.

Helpline: 0800 1111 (24-hour).