What is an advocate?
An advocate is someone who supports you when you need to speak up and have your voice heard.
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An advocate can help you to understand your rights, and make sure they are upheld. An advocate can help you access information about your options or choices. |
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An advocate can also support you at meetings and assessments. They can also help you to understand social care and health processes (for example what an assessment will include, what happens in safeguarding). |
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You may want your advocate to speak for you in situations where you don't feel able to speak for yourself, or to write letters on your behalf. |
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An advocate will help you to explore your options and have your say, so that you are at the centre of decisions that affect your life. |
Independent Advocates are not part of social services or the NHS, and not part of your family or one of your friends. They learn about what is important to you by listening to you (or sometimes to the people who you know and trust).
Advocates will not judge you or give you their personal opinion. We believe that you are the expert on your life and what you want and need, so our advocates will help you to communicate that to other people.
Confidentiality
Unless you tell us about something that could involve risks to you or others, or involves breaking the law (and in other limited circumstances), we will not pass on what you tell us without your permission.
More information
Please visit 'Our Services' page to find out more about how we can help you, or click here to make a referral online. If you’re not sure which type of advocate can help you, please contact us.