Midlothian Young People's Advice Service (MYPAS) wants to make sure that the services, both in the community and in the buildings, feel safe and are accessible and inclusive for all young people.

Midlothian Young People's Advice Service (MYPAS) knows that there may be barriers to accessing services for young people with particular personal characteristics (described as ‘protected characteristics’ under the 2010 Equality Act).

They include:

• age
• being, or becoming, a transsexual person
• being pregnant, or on maternity leave
• disability
• race, including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin
• religion, belief or lack of religion/belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

Midlothian Young People's Advice Service (MYPAS) also knows that there may be barriers to accessing services for young people in specific circumstances, or who have particular needs.

These include:

• young people with communication support needs
• looked after young people and young people leaving the care system
• young carers
• young people with long term conditions
• young people who live in isolated or rural parts of Midlothian
• young parents

Lastly, Midlothian Young People's Advice Service (MYPAS) believes that all young people should be treated with respect regardless of their:

• employment status
• financial status
• education or achievements at school
• drug and/or alcohol use

Some of the ways that Midlothian Young People's Advice Service make sure they are taking all young people’s circumstances, experiences and identities into account are:

• challenging young people if they behave in a way, or crack jokes and make comments, that make other service users feel unwelcome or uncomfortable
• covering the cost of young people getting to and from their sessions by public transport costs
• not asking young people potentially sensitive questions in places where people could hear their answers, for example in the reception or waiting areas
• asking young people for their views on changes they can make so the services meet their needs

The Young People’s Charter they have developed means young people know exactly what to expect when they use the services.

 and have been awarded the LGBT Youth Scotland Charter Mark.

This mark is given to organisations that have successfully finished a programme that makes sure their policies and practice are inclusive of LGBT young people.