More about the management team
Joe Roberson BA (Hons) Social Sciences
Project Leader, Somerset and Cardiff
Joe’s professional experience includes:
Four and a half years experience of working as an advocate for young people in adolescent psychiatric units and in the community for Advocacy in Somerset and Tros Gynnal
A variety of experience of project set-up and management, including the nationally acclaimed Headspace Toolkit – a self advocacy and rights guide for young people in adolescent psychiatric units.
Eight years experience of working in the voluntary sector providing support for adults and young people with mental health issues
Two years spent planning and securing funding for the Maze Project with Advocacy in Somerset and Tros Gynnal
Numerous presentations and workshops at various national conferences on advocacy, participation, children’s rights and mental health.
Ruth Holgate LL.B., M.A. (Criminology)
Senior Practitioner, Cardiff
Ruth’s professional experience includes:
Extensive experience of working as an advocate for children and young people in the looked after system, many of whom had experienced traumatic events in their lives which had affected their mental health.
Extensive experience of project management in the voluntary sector.
Ten years experience of teaching law and criminology both in further and higher education.
Extensive understanding of the psychological impact of crime gained whilst working for Victim Support.
Research interests include:
- a study of the impact of domestic violence on children and young people undertaken as part of a Masters degree in Criminology
- in depth study of youth offending undertaken whilst a Research Associate with Cardiff Law School.
We help young people age 6-19 in Somerset and Cardiff to get their views heard on issues affecting their emotional or mental wellbeing. Our service is free, independent and confidential.