NAYD for Young People · Your rights & getting support
You deserve to be heard, respected and supported.
You shouldn't have to know every rule, find the perfect words or wait for a crisis before asking for help.
Your experiences matter
Whether things are going well, feel confusing or don't seem fair, you're allowed to ask questions and expect respectful answers.
Support isn't something you have to earn
Adults and services have responsibilities too. You're not expected to solve every problem or navigate every system by yourself.
Here you can explore ten things young people should be able to expect, find words for a conversation and make a small support card to keep.
This is general learning guidance, not legal advice, an emergency service or a way to report a safeguarding concern.
01 · What can you expect?
Ten things worth knowing.
Choose any topic. These are NAYD's developmental expectations about respectful, fair support. Some connect with legal rights, but this list is not ten separate legal entitlements.
Explore an expectation
Feel safe
A question you could ask
02 · When something doesn't feel right
You don't need a perfect explanation to ask a question.
Sometimes you know something feels unfair or confusing before you know how to describe it. These fictional examples show possible starting points, not a judgement about your situation.
Something you could say
What adults could do
You might not get the right response first time. If it's safe and possible, you can ask another trusted person, a safeguarding lead, an advocate or a specialist service. You shouldn't be blamed for needing more help.
03 · Asking for help
You can ask for support in more than one way.
You can start with someone you trust: a family member or carer, a teacher, pastoral staff member, youth worker, social worker, GP or another professional. Sometimes an independent advocate or specialist service can help you understand your choices or speak up.
Start with a question
“Who could help me understand this?” is enough. You can ask for information in writing or in a different format.
Choose how to share
You can speak, write, use a prepared note or ask about bringing someone with you where appropriate.
Know what happens next
Ask who will see what you share, what happens afterwards, and who you can contact if you still need help.
If you're worried about safety
Tell an appropriate trusted adult, safeguarding lead or support service as soon as you can. If someone is in immediate danger in the UK, call 999. If you're under 19, Childline offers free confidential support; there are limits to confidentiality where someone is at serious risk.
This website cannot receive reports or arrange help. Privacy, confidentiality and available services depend on your circumstances.
Rights and expectations are connected, but not identical. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out children's rights; UK laws and guidance affect how different rights and responsibilities apply. The ten NAYD expectations also describe good developmental practice. This page does not decide your legal position or replace specialist advice.
04 · Your rights & support card
Sometimes it helps to have the words ready.
Choose questions you might want to ask, and add anything you'd like someone to understand. You can copy your card and choose whether to share it. You don't need to include sensitive details.
Questions I'd like to ask
Choose as many or as few as you like.
My support card · live preview
Only the parts you complete are included. The questions you choose are already written out.
Your writing stays temporarily in this browser page. Nothing is sent to NAYD, stored by this tool or automatically emailed. Refreshing or closing may erase your words. This card is not a safeguarding report or emergency request.
05 · Keep exploring
You don't have to do everything today.
You can take what you need, come back later or choose a different way to explore. You don't have to share your experiences to learn more.
Growing Up, Your Way
Start with the big ideas about growing up, youth development and what should be around you.
My Youthhood Map
Reflect privately on the people, places and opportunities that shape your journey.
What I Wish Adults Understood
Turn your thoughts into structured notes, a letter or an email if you'd like.
The People & Places Around You
Discover how adults, services and communities can support you together.
The linked NAYD page address is provisional until the website's final URLs are confirmed.