NEW Children's Rights Officer Andy Bennett says children should be seen AND heard, contrary to the old Victorian tradition.

Andy is so sure of his position of helping children in the future that he has produced a pamphlet setting out the rights of children in the b orough, in particular those who receive help from Social Services.

Whether children live in a children's home, in a foster home, secure unit, hospital or in their own home, they have the right to talk to the Children's Rights Officer.

Andy listed some of their other rights, including the right to be respected and listened to, to have their health looked after, to get the most out of school, not to be hit or made to feel small, to be treated fairly whatever their race, gender, sexuality, culture, disability or religion, to be with their family if that is what they want, and is best for them, to be treated fairly in their contacts with Social Services and to be given help to sort out problems or complaints.

He said: "I am here to ensure that young people know their rights and are treated fairly. I can attend meetings with them and offer support in solving problems or making complaints.

"I can either visit them whenever they want, or they can come to our Ribble Road premises in Platt Bridge, Wigan. Everyone in Social Services is committed to helping children and young people, but if they need someone else to talk to, then they should come to me."

Andy can be contacted on 01942 769763.

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