To ask for an advocate for yourself or someone else, click here.
Advocacy helps people speak up about things that are important to them. Sometimes people need support expressing what they want to say and having their point of view taken seriously. Advocates are there to be on someone’s side. They can help a person get the information they need, understand their rights, and explore their choices – so they can make the decisions they want about their life.
Advocates spend time getting to know a person so they can support the individual to put forward their views and preferences. They won’t give advice, or make decisions for someone. They might support by being there at meetings, helping a person make contact with the right people, or speaking for them in situations where they don’t feel able to speak for themselves.
- NHS complaints advocacy (Independent Health Complaints Advocacy / IHCA)
- Independent Care Act Advocacy (ICAA)
- Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA)
- Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA)
- Paid Relevant Person’s Representative (PRPR)
- non-statutory advocacy
If you or someone you know needs support from an advocate, you can make an online referral.