Independent advocacy

What is advocacy?

Advocacy supports people to have their say and get their views heard.

Advocates are people who can speak up for you if you can’t speak up for yourself.

Advocates will talk to you and find out more about how you feel and what you want.

Advocates will:

• listen to you
• help you to make choices
• help you get information you need
• help you write down what you want to say
• attend meetings with you if you ask them to
• speak up on your behalf but only if you want them to.

Advocates will not:

• give advice
• give their own views
• make judgements
• solve problems.

What is said between you and an advocate is private and will only be shared with your permission (except in special circumstances which will be explained to you).

Who might need an advocate?

If you are aged 18 and over, and have difficulty in speaking up for yourself then an advocate may be able to help you.

For example you may:

• have learning disabilities
• have mental health problems
• be a vulnerable, older person
• be someone with a physical or sensory impairment
• be caring for someone else with dementia and related conditions.

When might I need an advocate?

• If you feel nobody is listening to you.
• When you want to change things in your life and decisions are being made that affect you.
• If you feel your rights have not been respected.  
• If you have a difficult decision to make and want to talk about choices.

How do I get an advocate?

See our list of independent advocacy providers. Contact the one that best meets your needs.

Is there a charge?

There is no charge for any of the independent advocacy organisations listed.

What if I am unhappy with the service I get from an independent advocacy service?

If you are unhappy about the service you get you can make a complaint. The advocacy service will tell you how to do this when they first begin to work with you.

For information about Independent Mental Capacity Advocates see our Mental Capacity webpage.