Advocacy

We are entitled to the following rights

• To make choices about our lives.
• To receive the social and health services we need.
• To be informed of our rights.
• To enjoy opportunities in leisure, education, training and employment. To be different and not to suffer discrimination.
• To make a complaint when something goes wrong.
• Advocacy is founded on the belief that people are of equal value regardless of ability, wealth or status and are therefore entitled to equal rights.

An Advocate Can:

• Listen to you.
• Help you to plan any action you may need or wish to take.
• Write letters and make telephone calls with you, or for you.
• Ensure your views are heard by attending meetings/reviews with you.
• Obtain information for you, or put you in touch with someone who can.
• Spend time with you preparing for meetings.
• Investigate alternative sources of support.
• Increase communication levels between yourself and others.
• Find out what your rights are.
• Liase with relevant agencies.

An Advocate will not:

• Give you advice or choose for you
• Take other people's side
• Work with you all the time
  

An Advocacte is not the same as:

• A friend or family member
• A lawyer or solicitor
• Other people who work with you like social workers and health care workers
  

Privacy & Confidentiality
Unless you want the information you share with your advocate will be kept private.
If it is considered that you or other people are at risk or the court tell us to – this rule maybe broken.

Equal Opportunitites
Organisations who provide advocacy will not discriminate against anyone.

Complaints
If you are unhappy with the work of your advocate you can make a complaint.
Help can be provided to support your compaint.

If you think you, or someone in your family might benefit from any service provided by Social Services and you would like us to contact you by phone or email, please complete the Social Services Contact Us/Self Referral Online Form and someone will be in touch with you as soon as possible.