Ensuring Every Voice Is Heard: OF's Story

FARE's Family Liaison Officers provide advocacy, guidance and practical support to children, young people and families, helping them access services, overcome barriers and navigate complex situations.

When OF first engaged with FARE's Family Liaison Officer (FLO), she was experiencing significant challenges following a period of trauma and change within her family. OF is autistic and non-speaking, which creates barriers to communication and accessing support. During this time, her mother suffered a severe stroke and, after spending several months in hospital, moved into full-time nursing care due to her ongoing support needs.

This major life change had a significant impact on OF and her family's day-to-day life. Alongside managing the emotional impact of these circumstances, OF faced difficulties accessing education, healthcare and practical support. Communication barriers made it challenging for her to express her needs and engage with professionals independently. She also required support to navigate areas such as Universal Credit, housing and other essential services.

Through consistent FLO support, OF received advocacy and guidance across multiple areas of her life. The FLO worked closely with OF, her family, school, healthcare professionals and partner organisations to ensure her needs were understood and appropriate support was in place.

Particular focus was given to improving communication pathways, with liaison taking place with OF's GP practice and support workers to identify more accessible ways for her to engage with healthcare services and have her voice heard.

As a result of this collaborative approach, OF has been better supported to access services and engage with professionals in ways that recognise her communication needs. The joined-up support around her has helped reduce some of the barriers she experiences, while ensuring greater consistency across the services involved in her life.

Throughout a particularly difficult period of adjustment, OF has had access to trusted support and advocacy, helping her navigate changes within her family circumstances while continuing to access the support she is entitled to.

Her journey highlights the importance of person-centred, relationship-based support in enabling young people with additional needs to participate in decisions, access services and build greater confidence in managing their day-to-day lives.

Our FLO continues to work alongside OF, her family and partner agencies to strengthen communication strategies, support her growing independence and ensure she remains connected to the services and opportunities that promote her wellbeing and future aspirations.

OF's journey demonstrates how consistent advocacy, effective partnership working and personalised communication support can help young people with complex needs overcome barriers, access essential services and maintain stability during significant periods of change.