Complaints and feedback

The Local Government Ombudsman is the final stage for complaints about councils, adult social care providers (including care homes and home care agencies) and some local public service providers. This is a free service. They investigate complaints in a fair and independent way and they do not take sides.

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. It provides a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers. You can find officers from PALS in your local hospital.

If you're unhappy with an NHS service, complain to the provider first, such as your GP, dentist, hospital or pharmacist. 

Barnardo's – Advocacy for Children and Young People

• call 0800 085 8287
• email : advocacy2@barnardos.org.uk

SpeakerBox is a forum for Southwark children and young people in care, and care leavers up to the age of 21 (or 25 if they are in full time education). They also include children who are privately fostered and children and young people who are from other local authorities but placed in Southwark. Young people meet with their peers, talk about their experience of being in care and inform council practice. They run several different activities including supporting young people in raising complaints with the council.

To contact Speakerbox:

• call 0207 525 3186 or 0771 813 0451
• email speaker.box@southwark.gov.uk

Childline is a free 24 hour counselling service for children and young people up to their 19th birthday in the UK provided by the NSPCC.

Call Childline on 0800 11 11.

You can also contact the Southwark Information and Advice team (SIAS) on 020 7525 3104 or email sias@southwark.gov.uk for additional advice on children with special education needs.