Advocacy is about helping you to speak up for yourself, making sure that your views and opinions are heard and understood and obtaining your rights.
This could be someone supporting you to speak up or, if you find it hard or you are unable to speak for yourself, then the Advocate can speak on your behalf to help you get what you are entitled to. Advocates are neutral and independent and what you say to them is confidential. They will work directly with you to help you have your say and deal with difficult issues.
If you are asking for or using a service provided by Social Care (or are a carer of someone using services), you may find that it is not always easy to express your wishes or preferences. If decisions are being made that affect your future, an Advocate can speak up for you in these situations or help you to put across your point of view.
Advocacy may help you:
- to make choices about your life
- to receive the services you need
- know your rights
- to make a complaint
An advocate can help you by:
- listening to you
- helping you to plan any action you may need or wish to take
- encouraging you to speak up for yourself
- mediating so people can understand each other
- writing letters and making telephone calls with or for you
- preparing for and attending meetings with you so that your views are heard
- obtaining information for you
- liaising with different agencies
- mediating so people can understand each other
- representing or acting on your behalf
If you think you need an advocate you should let us know. If you're already receiving services from us you should speak to your worker. You should also let us know when you're contacting us to arrange an assessment or to make a complaint.